Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Assisted Hatching?
A fertility specialist called a reproductive endocrinologist usually performs assisted hatching. The procedure is done in a fertility clinic, often called an IVF center. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Assisted hatching is a lab procedure used during in vitro fertilization (IVF). In IVF, eggs are fertilized with sperm outside the body, and the resulting embryos are placed into the uterus. Before an embryo can attach to the uterus, it must break out of its outer shell. Assisted hatching means a lab specialist makes a small opening in that shell to help the embryo hatch.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Doctors may suggest assisted hatching when an embryo might have trouble breaking out of its shell, such as with older eggs, embryos with a thicker or harder shell, or several IVF cycles that did not lead to pregnancy. Doctors do not all agree on when it is needed.
How to prepare
Most of the preparation is the same as the rest of the IVF cycle, since assisted hatching happens in the lab. Your fertility team will give you instructions before the embryo transfer. You may be asked to:
- Take any medicines exactly as prescribed.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home on transfer day.
- Plan to arrive with a full bladder if your clinic asks, to help with ultrasound guidance.
What happens during it
Assisted hatching is done in the lab a few hours before the embryo transfer. An embryologist uses a tiny needle, a laser, or an acid solution to make a small opening in the shell. The embryo is then placed into the uterus during the normal transfer.
Recovery
Because the hatching is done in the lab, there is no extra recovery for you. Most people go home the same day and rest. Your clinic will tell you when to resume normal activities and when a pregnancy test can be done.
Risks and side effects
The main risks involve the embryos rather than the patient. Making the opening in the shell can occasionally damage an embryo, and there is a small chance of identical twinning, where the embryo splits into two.
Who performs it
A reproductive endocrinologist oversees the treatment, and a trained embryologist performs the hatching under the microscope.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, and a concierge doctor is similar. Either one can be a helpful home base during fertility treatment, handling general health, prescriptions, and everyday questions between clinic visits. They do not perform assisted hatching and would refer you to a specialist.
Common questions
Does assisted hatching hurt?
No. The procedure is done in the lab on the embryo, not on your body. You will not feel it. Your only discomfort would come from the embryo transfer itself.
Does it guarantee a pregnancy?
No. Assisted hatching may help in some cases, but results differ from person to person. Many other factors affect whether IVF leads to pregnancy.
When is it done?
It is usually done on the day of the embryo transfer, a few hours beforehand. Some clinics do it on day three embryos and others on day five. These are stages of embryo growth.
Is it always part of IVF?
No. Many clinics only use it in certain situations, such as prior failed cycles or specific embryo features. Ask your specialist whether it is recommended for you and why.
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Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
