Assisted Hatching

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Introduction

One of the most frustrating aspects of assisted reproductive technology for patients and fertility professionals alike is having to deal with failure. This is especially true in couples who have attempted assisted reproductive procedures many times, and also in those whose time is running out because of their age. Now, a recently developed technique, assisted hatching, is offering new hope to couples who fall into these categories.
Assisted hatching was developed from the observation that embryos which had a thin zona pellucida (shell) had a higher rate of implantation during in vitro fertilization. It was postulated that creating a minor defect in the zona might result in a greater chance of the embryo “hatching,” or shedding its shell, allowing for a better chance ofimplantation in the endometrium.
This relatively small variation in the IVF procedure has yielded dramatic results.
The bottom line for couples who fall into the “poor prognosis” category because of age (but under age 43), previously failed cycles or elevated FSH levels on the third day of their menstrual cycle is that they should consider adding assisted hatching to the regular regimen of in vitro fertilization. It is important to be sure that the center they choose has enough experience with the technique to assure they have passed the early part of the learning curve and are achieving an enhanced success rate. Finally, couples in which the woman has passed her 43rd birthday should consider egg donation as the most likely method to achieve success.

Surgical Treatment Options

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is an outpatient procedure in which your doctor will use a narrow fiberoptic telescope inserted into your uterus through your cervix, to look for and sometimes remove adhesions inside your uterus

Laparoscopy

A hysteroscopy is an outpatient procedure in which your doctor will use a narrow fiberoptic telescope inserted into your uterus through your cervix, to look for and sometimes remove adhesions inside your uterus

Fallopian Tube Sterilization Reversal

A tubal reversal is a surgical procedure performed to reconnect the two ends of the fallopian tubes in an effort to reverse sterilization.

Hydrosalpinx Removal

A hydrosalpinx is an obstructed fallopian tube that leads to an accumulation of fluid. Removal of the affected tube can increase IVF success rates.

Male Surgical Options

Testicular biopsy

Testicular biopsy performed as an in-office surgical procedure in which several small pieces of testicular tissue are removed and examined for sperm which can be used in fertility procedures.

Testicular sperm aspiration (TESA)

A TESA procedure involves a needle biopsy of the testicle in which a sample of tissue is taken directly from the testis and used to extract sperm for IVF or ICSI.

Percutaneous sperm aspiration (PESA)

PESA is a procedure involving a needle inserted into the epididymis in an effort to locate and aspirate a pocket of sperm Vasectomy reversal – A vasectomy reversal is often performed as an outpatient procedure and is done to reverse a previous vasectomy and restore the male’s ability to release sperm into his semen from the testicles.