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Fertility Glossary

Assisted hatching

Thinning or opening the embryo's outer shell before transfer.

IVF & IUI

Assisted hatching is intended to help the blastocyst escape the zona pellucida and implant. Evidence of benefit for live birth is weak overall, and it is usually considered only in specific circumstances rather than routinely.

Also known as: laser hatching, zona hatching

Sources

  • ESHRE guidance (used where Canadian wording is unavailable)

Last reviewed: September 9, 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only โ€” always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.

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