Updated by the Progyny Clinical Team — December 2025
Going through an in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle that doesn’t work can be very frustrating. One reason this can happen is that the embryo doesn’t implant in the uterus, which is needed for pregnancy to occur.
If you’ve had more than one failed IVF cycle or if your fertility doctor thinks you might face challenges with IVF, they might suggest a procedure called assisted hatching to help improve your chances.
What is assisted hatching?
After an egg is fertilized in the lab, it begins to grow and divide into cells. The growing embryo is surrounded by a protein shell called the zona pellucida. For the embryo to stick to the uterus and start a pregnancy, it needs to “hatch” out of this shell.
Assisted hatching is a lab procedure where the embryologist (a scientist who works with embryos) makes a tiny hole in the zona pellucida to help the embryo hatch more easily. This can give the embryo a better chance to attach to the uterus.
Most of the time, assisted hatching is done on day 3 (when the embryo has 6 to 8 cells) or day 5 (when the embryo is more developed, called a blastocyst). The embryologist uses special tools, like a laser or sometimes a tiny needle, to make the hole in the shell. After that, the embryo is placed back into the incubator to keep growing.
Who might benefit from assisted hatching?
Assisted hatching is not needed for everyone. It may be suggested for people who:
- Are 38 or older
- Have had two or more IVF cycles that did not result in pregnancy
- Have embryos that appear to have slower or lower-quality development
- Want their embryos to undergo genetic testing (assisted hatching is the first step when performing an embryo biopsy)
In these cases, assisted hatching can help embryos that may have trouble breaking out of their shell on their own, giving them a better chance to attach to the uterus.
Does assisted hatching increase IVF success?
Assisted hatching can help some people get pregnant, especially those with embryos that are struggling to hatch or who are older. However, it doesn’t guarantee success. Some studies show it can improve pregnancy rates for certain people, but the results can vary.
The success of assisted hatching also depends on the embryologist’s experience. It’s important to ask your clinic about their success with this procedure.
Is assisted hatching safe?
Like any medical procedure, assisted hatching does come with some risks, but it is generally safe when done by an experienced embryologist. Possible risks include:
- Embryo damage: If the zona pellucida is weakened too much, the embryo might not survive.
- Higher chance of twins: Assisted hatching can sometimes lead to twins if more than one embryo successfully implants in the uterus.
These risks are small, but it’s something to consider when deciding if assisted hatching is right for you.
Conclusion
Assisted hatching can help improve your chances of getting pregnant with IVF, especially if you have certain risk factors like older age or poor embryo quality. However, it’s not a guarantee. Talk to your fertility care team about whether assisted hatching is a good option for you and make sure to ask about their experience with the procedure.
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Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.