A Brief Review of Assisted Hatching Benefits and Risks

Added: 12/26/2005

Assisted reproductive technologies began a rough evolution by the end of the 20th century. According to scientists and gynecologists, more than 60 % of men and women have various pathologies of sexual and endocrine systems. It is necessary to note that the pathologies of sexual and endocrine systems are exactly one of the most widespread reasons of infertility. The degree of pathology can be various, however the presence of any pathology has an adverse effect on the ability of a man and a woman to conceive and give a birth to a healthy child. That is why assisted hatching benefits and risks should be studied very carefully before a couple decides to embark on assisted pregnancy.

Among the arsenal of reproductive technologies one of the most effective and claimed techniques is IVF. The essence of method consists in fertilization of ootid outside of the uterus. Taken from ovary ootid in vitro impregnates spermatozoon. Spermatozoa are also artificially allocated from sperm of a man. Process of fertilization and development of an embryo occurs within several days in special nutrient medium. Then the embryo is placed in the uterus where should be implanted and continues the development.

However, independent implantation of an embryo occurs in 10-15 %. Hormonal therapy can be applied to increase the efficiency of an embryo implantation in cavity of the uterus. However, steroid and antibiotic side effects are possible.

In most cases, doctors recommend the application of assisted hatching. This procedure consists in artificial infringement of integrity coating of an embryo. Partial removal coating of an embryo considerably raises probability of normal implantation of an embryo in cavity of the uterus.

However, in this case it is necessary to note some assisted hatching benefits and risks. To a number of assisted hatching benefits it is possible to rank acceleration and normalization of implantation of an embryo. Possible damages of an embryo concern to a number of assisted hatching risks during manipulations and increase the rate of monozygotic twins.

There are 3 basic kinds of assisted hatching and each one has its own assisted hatching benefits and risks: mechanical, chemical and laser. All these manipulations have certain assisted hatching benefits and risks. The technique of mechanical assisted hatching was developed in 1990. Mechanical assisted hatching is carried out manually, therefore in this case there are enough frequently cases of the damage of the embryo cells.

With the procedure of chemical assisted hatching, a special acid is used which refines coating of an embryo and facilitates the process of implantation. The given procedure is safer, however it is used rarely.

One of the advanced methods of assisted hatching is infringement of integrity of coating with the help of laser or infra-red beams. While carrying out of procedure with the use of the laser, it is also possible to allocate assisted hatching benefits and risks. With a number of assisted hatching benefits, it is possible to attribute high accuracy and safety of the procedure. However, there is a certain risk of overheat occurrence of an embryo cells. Therefore, modern clinics of reproduction use more often an infra-red beam for carrying out the procedure of assisted hatching. The given technique allows carrying out the procedure of assisted hatching maximum safely. Gradual smoothing surface of coating allows avoiding damage of cells of an embryo.

It is necessary to note that the procedure of assisted hatching is rather complex and expensive. Your doctor can recommend assisted hatching only if a thorough medical examination dictates. Besides planning to carry out the procedure, the doctor is obliged to inform a patient about all assisted hatching benefits and risks.

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