The “Secret Handshake” between the sperm at the uterus

Research from the University of California in San Diego has uncovered that a “molecular handshake” occurs between the uterine cells and the sperm.

The uterine cells have specialised receptors that recognise a particular sugar molecule on the surface of sperm cells called sialic acid. Because the sperm cell is coated in these special molecules, the immune system uses this as a way to distinguish between human cells and cells from invaders.

The University of California laboratory noticed that the binding receptors on the endometrial cells seemed to bind to whole sperm by recognising sialic acid molecules and therefore adjusting the immune response.

What does this mean exactly?

Basically, this means that by turning the immune response up or down, it can help the weed out faulty sperm and allow the normal sperm to make it through to fertilise the egg.

Molecular anthropologist, Pascal Gagneux, whose laboratory discovered this valuable information says that “life is one big compromise. For an egg, being too easy to fertilise is bad; being too difficult to fertilise is also bad”. This research is the first step to understanding the physiology behind a very important interaction between the sperm and the uterine tissue. “

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FAQ

How does Fertility First keep fertility treatment and IVF costs down?

As a Doctor-owned Medical Practice, our fertility and IVF treatment costs do not need to cover overheads and/or shareholder dividends, all of which have to come out of the income derived from patients’ treatment cycle fees at other fertility clinics in Sydney.

What is the NSW fertility treatment rebates?

From the 1st October 2022, the NSW Government announced a rebate of $2,000 in OOP expenses for all eligible patients. Fertility First is pleased to support the NSW Government’s fertility rebate at our Sydney fertility clinic.

What makes Fertility First different to other Sydney fertility clinics?

Fertility First is privately owned, which means we can place more focus on our patients. We offer a holistic approach to fertility and believe that it’s important to minimise the invasiveness of the fertility testing process and only carry out the necessary investigations, maximising your chance of a successful outcome. We offer extensive preliminary fertility testing, including Halosperm Assay.

We were one of the first Sydney fertility clinics to offer a donor sperm and donor egg program, thanks to our partnership with Central IVF.

How do I choose the best fertilty clinic for me?

Choosing the right fertility clinic in Sydney is a very important decision. You should consider factors like success rates, clinic location and appointment times, fertility treatment costs, repor with the Fertility Specialist and what treatment options are available.

Does Fertility First offer preliminary fertility testing?

Yes. We offer a range of fertility testing for both males and females. We aim to have fertility test results back within 2 to 3 weeks, which means, unless any assessment of the fallopian tubes is required, fertility treatment options can then be considered.

Does Fertility First offer treatment for same sex couples and singles?

Yes. Fertility First offers a range of fertility treatments that are suitable for same sex couples and singles, including our donor sperm program. See our fertility treatment page for a full guide.

Does Fertility First offer Medicare rebates?

Yes. In order to assist you with a Medicare rebate for your fertility treatment, you will need a current referral to Fertility First.

Note: GP referrals are valid for 12 months, and specialist referrals are valid for 3 months.

Does Fertility First offer IVF treatment?

Yes. IVF treatment is offered to suitable patients after preliminary testing.

The “Secret Handshake” between the sperm at the uterus