Calcium ionophore activation is a specialised laboratory method offered to selected IVF and ICSI patients with a history of poor embryonic development.
It is designed to support blastocyst formation in cases where embryos have previously failed to reach the later stages of development.
Calcium ionophores are molecules that increase the calcium levels inside cells.
Calcium plays a critical role in triggering cellular processes needed for embryonic development.
In some patients, these signals may be weak or absent. Ionophore exposure can help mimic or enhance these natural processes.
After fertilisation has occurred in the lab, selected embryos are briefly exposed to a dose of calcium ionophore.
This exposure is short and tightly controlled by our skilled embryology team.
The aim is to stimulate the embryo’s internal calcium signalling, which plays a key role in supporting further cell division and development toward the blastocyst stage.
The treatment may be considered for patients who have experienced:
Our embryologists and fertility specialists assess each case individually.
Studies suggest that calcium ionophore activation can improve fertilisation and blastocyst rates in selected cases.
No harmful effects on embryo viability or genetics have been reported when used appropriately.
However, long-term data are still limited, and the method is an optional “add-on” treatment. More large-scale, long-term studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this approach across broader patient populations.
At Diers, we carefully plan each treatment based on your medical history and specific circumstances.
Calcium ionophore activation is not part of our standard protocol, but may be offered when there is a clear medical reason to support embryo development.
