Another technology that may be able to help you conceive is called “assisted hatching.” This can be used if your egg quality is low or there are problems with cellular division of the egg. Not all fertility clinics offer this technology.

With assisted hatching, the egg is fertilized as it normally would be in IVF. Then a hollow tube is used to deliver an acid solution to create a small hole in the shell or zona pellucida. The egg is then transferred shortly thereafter. The belief is that this small hole will encourage the egg to burrow or implant in your uterus.

However, many fertility centers have abandoned this practice for a variety of reasons, including egg damage and lack of results. If you are interested in assisted hatching, talk to your practitioner about the benefits and risks in your specific case.