ASSISTED HATCHING

Before implantation in the womb, embryos must hatch out of their shell (called the zona pellucida). Assisted Zona Hatching (AZH) is a technique designed to assist embryos to hatch successfully. It involves creating a small hole in the zona pellucida of the developing embryo following IVF or ICSI, through which the embryo can ‘hatch’. This is performed immediately prior to embryo transfer. It is usually recommended in women who have had several unsuccessful IVF attempts despite producing good embryos. It is not usually recommended as a first-line treatment as the process can occasionally damage the embryo.

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