Treatment with calcium ionophore

The calcium level in the ovum

If the sperm enters into the ovum through natural fertilisation, it initiates a chain reaction. Calcium is released in the ovum and activates the development.

Studies have shown that increasing the calcium concentration in the ovum has a positive influence not only on the fertilisation rate but possibly also on the vitality of the embryos. Its chances of implanting in the uterus thereby increase.

Assessment of treatment

If the fertilisation rate after ICSI treatment is less than 30 percent, an absence of activation due to a lack of calcium is possible. In order to rectify a possible lack of calcium in the ova, a substance known as calcium ionophore is used. Calcium ionophore increases the calcium concentration in the ovum and therefore the prospect of fertilisation.

In IVFtreatment, calcium ionophore is not used.

Treatment with calcium ionophore should be considered especially when the fertilisation rate following ICSI is below 30 percent.

Additional information

There are many studies that have dealt with the topic of calcium in the fertilised ovum. An overview is provided by studies known as metastudies. These summarise the results of many individual studies.

One such metastudy on the topic of calcium ionophore can be found at:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/30/1/97.full.pdf

The additional costs for treatment with calcium ionophore are not covered by the statutory health insurance companies and possibly not either by private health insurance companies.