Assisted Hatching

JSquare · #1 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 06:01 AM

As I've posted before, my RE insists on Assisted Hatching (AH) because of my age. For cycle #1 I didn't really think much of it. I totally trust my RE and the entire staff, so DH and I decided we'd do whatever they thought was best. Well, we're about to start cycle #2 and I got all of my paperwork in the mail yesterday. I thoroughly read the AH literature and now I'm scared. It talks about possibilities of degeneration of the preembryo, congenital defects, and unknown risks that may exist related to pregnancy or to the mental or physical health of any children. I Googled AH and found some clinics use it consistently and some find the pregnancy rates aren't that much higher. There isn't a lot of literature about effects to the child but there is an increase in identical or conjoined twins. But they all say to use it if the woman is over 37.

Have any of you had success with AH? Do you know of anyone who has? I would appreciate any insight.

Justine · #2 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 06:23 AM

No insight sorry - but your post has really intriguied me - obviously I have not done my homework as we were told that we would need AH also, have not meet with RE only spoke to nurse. They also said that due to my age it is absolutely necessary. I turned 37 Nov 07. Huh - I hope some of these ladies will know -- I will start searching internet, If I find something useful - I'll Post.

Baby Dust & Postive Thoughts to you.

Staciewi · #3 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 06:49 AM

well Lynne would be the proof of ID twins....

But I dont think there is enough study on this to be worried...I mean we always worry, but obviously it DOES WORK!!!

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!!!

Alynn · #4 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 06:07 AM

Both our girls were IVF babies with ICSI and AH. We tried for our first for over 3 years and going into IVF we were still in the "unexplained IF" category. During our 1st IVF they discovered that the outer shell of my eggs was basically rock solid.....nothing was getting in (or out) of that shell. So, they did the ICSI to fertilize the egg and then the AH. The RE told us that there really wasn't a chance without it since the outer shell wouldn't break open...it was just too hard. My eggs were all like that....25 of them from IVF #1 and 8 of them from IVF #2. I did read the same info on AH that you mentioned...and it is scary...but we didn't have a choice. It worked both times for us and our girls are both perfectly healthy and ahead of schedule with everything (ie: motor skills, verbal skills, etc). I hope this helps. Good luck!

boxerluvr8 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 08:12 AM

I did it with my last cycle , along with adding Lovenox for immune issues, and my dreams came true!! My little girl is now 18 months and healthy!! I had a previous m/c with IVF #1, immune issues and I'm old

so they pretty much insisted on adding the AH. I wouldn't change a thing!!

Staciewi · #6 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by boxerluvr8

I did it with my last cycle , along with adding Lovenox for immune issues, and my dreams came true!! My little girl is now 18 months and healthy!! I had a previous m/c with IVF #1, immune issues and I'm old

so they pretty much insisted on adding the AH. I wouldn't change a thing!!

OH PULLLLLEEEEESSSSEEEEEE

JSquare · #7 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 01:48 PM

Thanks for the info ladies - I really do appreciate it! DH always tells me not to Google things because then I get all crazy and worried, and he's right.

Your children are beautiful!! Here's hoping for a successful cycle #2 with AH!!

boxerluvr8 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-19-2008, 02:12 PM

JSquare~I had my DD when I was 39...hope 39 is a great year for you too!!!
Stacie~Brooke is breaking me down DAILY!!!

I'm starting to feel it now!!

I'll be doing my FET this summer....am I nuts or what?! What a minute....where's my walker and my geritol?!