Progesterone and ion channels in conception

For decades mystery has surrounded exactly how sperm seek out an egg for fertilization. Unlocking the mechanism could lead to additional methods of overcoming fertility and preventing unwanted pregnancy via new types of contraception. The cation channel of sperm (CatSper) family of ion channels on mammalian sperm was first discovered in 2001. Earlier this year, researchers identified progesterone as a trigger for these channels, resulting in increased sperm motility and the activation of egg penetration, leading to conception. Read more about what researchers have uncovered about the role of progesterone and ion channels in how sperm seek out an egg.