Assisted Hatching (AHA)
IVF is a popular treatment option at Sago IVF Team in North Cyprus for couples struggling to conceive naturally. Despite the advancements in technology, success rates for IVF are not %100. Assisted Hatching (AHA) however can significantly improve the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
WHAT IS ASSISTED HATCHING?
One of the reasons that IVF treatment does not lead to a successful pregnancy is that the embryo cannot be implanted into the uterine lining.
Assisted Hatching is a laboratory technique used during IVF treatment to improve the chance of embryos attaching to the female patient’s uterine wall after embryo transfer.
The process involves making a small opening in the outer layer of the embryo (called the zona pellucida) using mechanical or chemical methods.
This process is performed before the embryo transfer, and assists the embryo to hatch out of its outer layer and implant into the uterine lining more easily.
ASSISTED HATCHING PROCEDURE
Assisted Hatching is a minimally invasive procedure that is usually performed by Sago Team embryologists on day three of embryo development.
The embryos are carefully removed from their incubators, and a small hole is made in the zona pellucida.
The embryos are then returned to the incubator and allowed to develop for another day or two before transfer into the uterus.
Mechanical AHA involves using a small needle to make a hole in the zona pellucida.
On the other hand, Chemical AHA involves applying a special solution to the outer layer of the embryo to soften and weaken it, allowing the embryo to hatch naturally.
WHEN IS AHA RECOMMENDED?
Assisted Hatching is recommended in specific cases where the outer layer of the embryo may be too thick or hardened, making it difficult for the embryo to hatch and implant naturally.
This could be due to various factors, including a woman’s age, the quality of the embryos, or the thickness of the zona pellucida.
AHA is also recommended for women who have undergone multiple failed IVF cycles, as it can significantly improve their chances of success.
Women who have previously experienced implantation failure may also be advised to undergo AHA to increase their chances of a successful pregnancy.
WHAT IS LASER ASSISTED HATCHING?
Laser Assisted Hatching is an advanced form of AHA that uses a laser to make a precise and controlled hole in the zona pellucida.
Laser AHA is believed to be more accurate and less damaging to the embryo compared to traditional mechanical or chemical AHA methods.
The use of laser AHA is also associated with higher success rates and lower risks of complications.
CANDIDATES FOR ASSISTED HATCHING
AHA is recommended for couples who have experienced difficulties with implantation and pregnancy due to various medical conditions, including:
- Advanced maternal age, generally above 37
- Thick or hardened zona pellucida
- High level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
- Reduced ovarian reserve and poor quality eggs
- Repeated IVF failures
- Implantation failure
- Frozen embryo transfer
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) or Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
SUCCESS RATES OF AHA
Several studies have shown that AHA can improve the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
The success rates of AHA vary between 5% to 15% per cycle, depending on the patient’s age, the quality of the embryos, and the cause of infertility.
It is important to note that AHA may not be suitable for every couple, and the decision to undergo AHA should be made after a thorough consultation with a Sago Team specialist.
Furthermore, it is notable that Assisted Hatching is an accurate yet delicate procedure that must be performed by an experienced embryologist to prevent damage to the developing embryo.
You can contact one of Sago Team Patient Advisors for all your enquiries regarding fertility treatments and options.
