Failing at the IVF or I.C.S.I. cycles makes people think that they are out of options in case of fertilising. But if the outer layer of your embryo is too thick, it can result in IVF failures. In these cases, you may have the option of laser-assisted hatching.

In this article, Dr Hrishikesh Pai from Babies & Us IVF and I.C.S.I. Centre discusses L.A.H.

What is LAH?

Laser-Assisted Hatching or L.A.H. is an IVF technique that can make it more accessible for an embryo to hatch or break through its outer layer by creating an opening.

Sometimes, the outer wall of an embryo is too thick. This can happen due to the freezing and thawing process. The less difficulty the embryo has in hatching, the better are the chances of it attaching to the wall of the uterus.

If you have failed IVF cycles, and the reason is unknown, the doctor may advise you to opt for L.A.H.

L.A.H. is an advanced technique, so you need to visit a good IVF centre and gynaecologist in order to get it done properly.. The Babies & Us IVF and ICSI centre is one of the best IVF centres in India. Dr Hrishikesh Pai and his team of doctors are well-experienced and have treated many patients.

Who is it for?

According to Dr Pai, the following are the reasons when you can opt for L.A.H.:

If you are of age 35 or above.
If you have failed two or more IVF cycles.
If you have unexplained infertility
Having high F.S.H. levels.
Your embryo is of poor quality.

Procedure

The procedure of L.A.H. generally takes place after three days of IVF or the ICSI cycle when the embryo starts to divide. The embryo is surrounded by cells that act as a protective shell called the Zona Pellucida.

A small insertion is made on this shell to make the hatching process easier for the embryo. This is done so that the embryo can expand and implant into the uterus wall.

A laser device is used to make this crack on the Zona Pellucida. The embryologist places the embryo under the microscope and sends an intense light beam to create this crack. This is a very delicate procedure and gives control to the doctor about how big the gap can be.

The embryo is then transferred back to the uterus to implant itself in the lining and start growing. All this process takes place in a matter of seconds. This process is also safe for the embryo.

The procedure requires a very skilful embryologist to do the task at Babies & Us IVF and I.C.S.I. Centre, one of the best IVF centres in Mumbai, can expect the best doctors and technicians working with this procedure and the other ones.

Advantages of LAH

According to Dr Pai, laser-assisted hatching is better than the other forms of hatching, like manual and chemical. It gives advantages like:

The handling of the embryo is reduced
The procedure is very safe for the embryo.
It can be done in a matter of seconds.
Doctors can control the size of the shell opening.

Risks of LAH

The risks are similar to IVF and ICSI. procedures. Laser hatching interrupts the embryo’s natural process of hatching, which may lead to some risks.

One of the rare risks includes the embryo getting injured. This can happen before or after the transfer. In such cases, the pregnancy will not occur.
The embryo may not hatch completely after laser hatching.
It can cause multiple pregnancies.

Success Rate

If you have failed your IVF cycles, there is a chance that Laser hatching may work for you. It increases the chances of implantation and pregnancy.

Hatching is compulsory to get pregnant. If the embryo fails to implant in the IVF or I.C.S.I. cycle, there is a chance that it will be successful in this technique.

The use of L.A.H. has resulted in successful pregnancies for many couples. You can visit Babies & Us IVF and ICSI Centre, one of the IVF centres in Mumbai, to get the procedure done.

Cost

The cost of Laser Assisted Hatching varies from clinic to clinic, says Dr Pai from Babies & Us IVF and ICSI Centre.

The average cost of Laser Assisted Hatching in Mumbai is around Rs. 20000 to Rs. 30000 without the IVF cost. With IVF treatment, this cost can go up to Rs. 120000 to Rs. 150000.

Conclusion:

The embryo must hatch for the pregnancy to take place. Laser-Assisted Hatching can be very helpful in this step. If you have failed two or more IVF cycles, you can discuss the option of L.A.H. with your doctor. It might prove to be successful for you.