INSIDEEMBRYO · FERTILITY GLOSSARY
Capacitation is a series of physiological, biochemical and membrane modifications that spermatozoa undergo before acquiring full fertilising competence. It normally develops after ejaculation as spermatozoa interact with the female reproductive tract and can also be induced under controlled laboratory culture…
Capacitation is a series of physiological, biochemical and membrane modifications that spermatozoa undergo before acquiring full fertilising competence. It normally develops after ejaculation as spermatozoa interact with the female reproductive tract and can also be induced under controlled laboratory culture conditions. Capacitation involves alterations in membrane lipid organisation, ion transport, intracellular calcium signalling and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent pathways. These processes contribute to hyperactivated motility and prepare the spermatozoon for acrosomal exocytosis and interaction with the oocyte. A spermatozoon that has not completed appropriate capacitation is generally unable to complete the sequential molecular events required for normal fertilisation.
For education, not individual medical advice. Ask your fertility team about your care.