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Oocyte activation at IFV Sevilla

At IFV Sevilla, we know that few situations are as bewildering for a couple as being told that their eggs have not fertilised after an ICSI cycle. When sperm microinjection is performed, the union of the gametes is expected to mark the beginning of life. However, sometimes the egg simply does not “wake up”.

Assisted oocyte activation is the technological response to this challenge, designed to provide the necessary stimulus when biology needs extra support.

Why don’t my eggs fertilise after ICSI?

In natural fertilisation or conventional ICSI, the sperm is responsible for sending a chemical signal to the egg so that it becomes activated. This signal triggers a series of calcium oscillations inside the egg, acting as a biological “switch”. Without this increase in calcium, the egg does not activate, does not divide and, therefore, no embryo is formed.

In some cases, either due to sperm-related factors, such as the absence of certain proteins, or due to the nature of the egg itself, this switch does not turn on spontaneously. In reproductive medicine, this is known as activation failure. Thanks to assisted oocyte activation with calcium ionophore, we can intervene at that precise moment to generate the necessary signal.

Certified hospital quality

innovation and rigour at Hospital Santa Ángela de la Cruz

Performing such a specific technique as calcium ionophore requires a highly precise laboratory environment. As we are located within Viamed Hospital Santa Ángela de la Cruz, we offer comprehensive safety:

Extreme laboratory control

Our embryologists have the technology required to handle culture media with absolute precision, which is vital for the success of this technique.

24-hour hospital safety

The support of Viamed Salud ensures that every process is carried out under the strictest standards of medical quality and biological safety.

Privacy and rigour

We understand the emotional burden following previous fertilisation failure. For this reason, we approach each case with the sensitivity and scientific depth it requires.

How does assisted oocyte activation with calcium ionophore work?

The process is fascinating and takes place entirely in our laboratory after egg retrieval:

Microinjection, or ICSI

First, we introduce the sperm into the egg following the standard procedure.

The “spark” of life

Immediately afterwards, the eggs are exposed to a special culture medium enriched with calcium ionophore.

Biological activation

This medium allows calcium to enter the egg, imitating the natural signal that the sperm should have sent. It is, quite literally, the egg’s “awakening”.

Embryo development

Once activated, the egg begins to divide normally, allowing the assisted reproduction treatment to continue its course towards embryo transfer.

Who is this treatment recommended for?

Previous fertilisation failure

Couples who have undergone an ICSI cycle in which no eggs, or only a very low percentage, were fertilised.

Severe male factor infertility

When it is suspected that the sperm lacks the necessary protein, PLC-zeta, to activate the egg.

Poor oocyte quality

Cases in which the eggs show signs of maturity but do not respond to fertilisation.

Restoring hope in your Life Project

The use of calcium ionophore has represented a paradigm shift for many couples who believed they had reached the end of the road. This technique can significantly increase fertilisation rates, achieving good-quality embryos in cases that were previously considered to have a poor prognosis.

FAQs: questions about oocyte activation in Seville

Yes. Scientific studies carried out to date confirm that the use of calcium activation media does not increase the risk of congenital abnormalities or problems in the baby’s development. It is a safe and well-established technique in highly complex laboratories such as ours.

It may be due to multiple biological factors. Sometimes it is a specific molecular incompatibility or a deficiency in chemical signalling. What matters is that today we have the technology to “replace” that signal and allow life to move forward.

Although assisted oocyte activation dramatically improves success rates in patients with previous fertilisation failure, fertilisation also depends on other internal biological factors within the gametes. Nevertheless, it is currently the best available tool to overcome the obstacle of activation failure.

Your future starts with a decision today

Do not let fertilisation failure stop your dream of building a family. If your previous treatment did not achieve the expected results, our team at Hospital Santa Ángela de la Cruz may hold the key to reactivating your dream.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT WITH OUR TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS IN SEVILLE
We are here to support you.
  • Call us
954 032 022
We are here to support you.
  • Call us
954 032 022

Dr. Pamela Valdivieso Mejía

gynaecologist and specialist in assisted reproduction

  • Specialist in Gynaecology and Obstetrics (MIR programme) at the Virgen de Valme University Hospital.
  • Master's Degree in Human Reproduction from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
  • 11 años de experiencia en reproducción asistida.

Dr. Silvia Valladares Jiménez

Specialist in Endocrinology and Nutrition

  • Specialist in Endocrinology and Nutrition with extensive clinical experience in leading hospitals such as Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Viamed Santa Ángela de la Cruz Hospital, where she is currently head of department.
  • Her practice focuses on comprehensive patient care, with a particular specialism in reproductive endocrinology, diabetes and endocrine disorders during pregnancy.
  • She has experience in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, thyroid disorders, acromegaly and gynaecomastia, as well as in the management of complex hormonal and metabolic disorders, particularly in female endocrinology.
  • She is actively involved in clinical research, participating in European projects such as EUROCONDOR and PILCHARDUS, as well as contributing to scientific publications and medical conferences. She combines her clinical work with teaching and continuing clinical education.

Dr. José Vilar

GYNAECOLOGIST

Education and Qualifications

  • Medical Degree from the University of Cádiz.
  • Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Mar, Cádiz.

Professional Experience

  • Gynaecologist at IVI Málaga (2013–2018).
  • Gynaecologist at Grupo Internacional UR (2020–2025).
  • Gynaecologist at IFV (2026–present).
  • Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Andalusian Health Service (2019–present).

Qualifications and Awards

  • PhD in Medicine from the University of Cádiz.

Scientific Activity

  • Co-author of several scientific publications in international journals and presentations delivered at national and international conferences.
  • Co-author of several chapters in specialised books on Gynaecology and Assisted Reproduction.

Ángeles Bretón

CLINICAL EMBRYOLOGIST

  • Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology from Pablo de Olavide University
  • Master's degree in Biology and Assisted Human Reproduction Technology from the European University of Madrid.
  • Completion of specialization courses in the assisted reproduction laboratory and workshops on embryo evaluation and selection.
  • Attendance at fertility conferences and seminars on reproductive medicine.

Dr. Carlos Javier Vega Reina

GYNAECOLOGIST

  • Graduated in Medicine from the University of Cádiz.
  • Specialised in Obstetrics and Gynaecology via MIR at the University Hospital of Puerto Real, Cádiz.
  • Master's Degree in Assisted Human Reproduction from the Complutense University of Madrid.

Dr. María Miró

IMMUNOLOGIST

  • Degree in Medicine, University of Cádiz
  • Specialist in Immunology, Reina Sofía University Hospital.
  • Extensive experience in Primary Care Medicine and Hospital Emergency Rooms
  • Reproductive Immunology. Experience in various reproduction centres

Dr. María Eugenia Molina

HEMATOLOGIST

  • Graduate in General Medicine and Surgery. University of Seville.
  • MIR training as a Specialist in Family and Community Medicine. Virgen Macarena University Hospital. Seville.
  • MIR training as a Specialist in Haematology and Haemotherapy. Nuestra Señora de Valme University Hospital. Seville.
  • Specialist in Haematology and Haemotherapy with practice in different health centres in Seville. Consultations on coagulation, myeloproliferative syndromes, red blood cell disorders, chronic and acute lymphoproliferative syndromes;
  • Specialised in disorders associated with recurrent pregnancy loss

Elena Mantrana Bermejo

Gynecologist. Specialist in Reproductive Medicine

  • Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Seville.
  • Specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville.
  • Master’s Degree in Human Reproduction from the Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.
  • Specialist Physician of the Andalusian Health Service in the South Health Management Area (AGSS) of Seville.
  • Coordinator of the Assisted Human Reproduction Unit of the Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville.
  • Member of the Human Reproduction Advisory Committee of AGSS of Seville.
  • Member of the working group for the update of the Guide for Assisted Human Reproduction of the Ministry of Health of the Andalusian Regional Government.
  • Tutor of Specialist Doctors in Training of the Teaching Area of the University Hospital of Valme.
  • Clinical Tutor Medical Students University of Seville

Alberto Armijo

Gynecologist. Reproductive Medicine Specialist

  • Degree in Medicine and Surgery from Universidad CEU San Pablo de Madrid.
  • Doctor of Medicine from the University of Seville, graduating with highest honours (cum laude)
  • Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics via MIR at the Virgen de Valme University Hospital.
  • Master in Human Reproduction, Universidad Complutense de Madrid.
  • Member of the Standing Committee of the Young Interest Group of the Spanish Fertility Society.
  • Clinical Stay. Division of Ultrasound in Obstetrics. Lis Maternity Hospital (Tel Aviv, Israel)