CatSper – the key to the egg
CatSper defects lead to male infertility. Not only is natural conception not possible, but fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and conventional in-vitro fertilization (IVF) are also ineffective. Based on current scientific evidence, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the only reproductive treatment shown to achieve successful outcomes in affected couples.
In order to fertilize the egg, the sperm cells must phyiscally penetraten the protective egg coat. To accomplish this, sperm generate a powerful swimming behavior known as hyperactivation. CatSper, a sperm-specific calcium channel found exclsuively in the tail (flagellum) of sperm controls this swimming behavior.
If CatSper is defective, sperm cannot hyperactivate and the egg remains unfertilized. The man is, therefore, infertile. Substantial scientific evidence shows that CatSper defects lead to male infertility (see scientific references).
CatSper-related infertility: Only ICSI can lead to fertilization success
Men with CatSper-related infertility are unable to conceive naturally. Treatments such as IUI and conventional IVF are also ineffective. Pregnancy can only be achieved through the ICSI method, which involves injecting the sperm directly into the egg cell, bypassing the egg’s protective coat.
CatSper-related infertility is undetectable with conventional semen analysis. As shown in the video, affected men can have clinically normal semen quality (normozoospermia) – meaning they are often diagnosed with “unexplained” infertility. This frequently results in inappropriate and ineffective fertility treatments – or no treatment at all.
Sceintific breakthrough in male-infertility research
Current studies estimate that approximately one in every hundred infertile men with normal semen quality suffers from a CatSper defect. The underlying cause is genetic mutations in the CatSper gene(s). The most commonly affected gene is CATSPER2, but cases involving defects in other CatSper genes have also been documented.
To address this diagnostic gap, scientists and clinicians at the Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology at the University of Münster in Germany developed the CatSper Test, which halps identify patients with CatSper-related infertility at an early stage. As a result of this scientific breakthrough, the Truion GmbH was founded as a spin-off company.
The CatSper Test: Shedding light on unexplained infertility
Early detection of CatSper-related infertility can prevent unsuccessful treatment attempts, saving time and reducing the medical risk for the woman.
Truion’s CatFlux Solutions makes it simple to perform the CatSper Test along with a standard semen analysis. The procedure quickly and reliably determines whether a CatSper defect is present, enabling evidence-based therapy slection for couples with unexplained infertility.
If the test indicates a CatSper defect, additional genetic testing is recommended. This not only confirms the presence of a CatSper mutations and CatSper-related infertility, but also helps evaluate the risk of passing this condition on the child.
Almost 100 fertility clinics, as well as urology and andrology practices, already offer the CatFlux Solutiosn for the CatSper Test.
The Test is especially recommended:
for men with unexplained infertility
before a planned IUI
before a planned IVF
to identify the cause of infertility before an ICSI
Are you interested in the CatSper Test? Then ask your doctor if the CatFlux is right for you.
We are happy to assist you in finding a suitable clinic.