Assisted Hatching

MaryB · Post by **MaryB** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 5:46 pm

We've recently failed our fourth attempt at IVF/ICSI. We are now in the difficult position of deciding whether to have another go. Each time we have tried to find something new to try in the hope of making that crucial bit of difference (we've tried different dosage of drugs, foresight, acupuncture...). We have a follow up consultation next week with the head of our clinic and are preparing a list of questions to ask. Can anyone tell us what assisted hatching is and whether you've tried it and been successful. We're wondering if it might help us. We may be clutching at straws at this stage but we just feel so desperate that anything is worth a go. Many thanks Mary and Andy B

SQUEW · Post by **SQUEW** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 6:29 pm

Hi Mary Dont know if I have got this exactly right but I think that with assisted hatching they do something to the "shell" of the embryo, aparently as you get older the shells get tougher and this can stop implantation. Havent had it done but it was explained to me at my clinic as I am 38. Dont know if it carries any risks and how sucessful it is, but hope it helps a little. My follow up is 5th Nov and have just had my 2nd failed IVF, but as I feel time is running out I will try anything they recommend. Good Luck Sue xx

Amanda A · Post by **Amanda A** » Tue Oct 28, 2003 7:08 pm

Hi Mary, I have had assisted hatching on both my ICSI attempts. They do it when the shells of your embryos look think because the eggs you produced also had thick shells on them - does this make sense? I am 31 and was not expecting to have AH but sometimes the actual process of IVF means that the shells are harder and maybe I just naturally have slightly harder shells anyway, I don't know! Anyway, the embryo's that looked the best each time had these hard shells so AH was suggested and we went with it. I think there may be some risk that AH can destroy/damage the embryo but we have a lot of faith with the embryologists at our clinic so were happy to go ahead and there were no problems. On our 2nd attempt, I became pregnant but unfortunantlely miscarried. Now on our 3rd attempt and expecting to need AH again but who knows, each time can be different! Hope this helps. Rach X [Edited by Rachael on 28-Oct-03 11:10]

phil · Post by **phil** » Wed Oct 29, 2003 12:53 pm

mary, i know from doing research that assisted hatching is available by different methods. i know that one method is carried out by laser and another by filing a small area to thin the shell. the purpose of AH is to help the embryo break free from the shell. it is recommended by some clinics for women over 40. i haven't had AH even though i asked for it for my last ivf. my ivf was unsuccessful - next time i will insist on it. however if you decide to go down this route then check out how experienced the clinic/embryologists is with this procedure. good luck with your appointment and let us know how it goes. best wishes, phil

sharon · Post by **sharon** » Sun Nov 02, 2003 6:22 pm

Hi Mary, Im 28 and we had had 3 failed ICSI attempts, so like you I was willing to try anything. I read about assisted hatching and asked my clinic if it was worth a try and they agreed (they use the laser technique) We had it done even though there wasn't a particular reason, my eggs looked fine and Im quite young I also asked if we could have 3 embryos replaced. I am now 14 weeks pregnant with twins! I don't know if assisted hatching was the reason but sometimes trying new things gives you hope and makes you feel more positive - which can only be a good thing. Good luck im sure it will be 5th time lucky for you!!!! Take care Sharon G xxxxxxxx

Janeya · Post by **Janeya** » Sun Nov 02, 2003 8:55 pm

Hi Mary like you I have had four failed attempts and we are now waiting to have our fifth attempt in the new year.When we went to the clinic for our initial consultation I to asked about AH.They told mw there is no evidence to suggests that it works and that most clinics are now aboloshing AH. I don't know how true this is,but they will not let me try it,so we will just have to have a full IVF attempt. This is our last and final try as we cannot keep spending money on it and we have to draw the line somewhere.I doubt wether this has helped in anyway,but good luck and all the best for the future. Jane xxxxx