To trace the process of the sperm successfully reaching the egg and the ability to start fertilization depends on several factors.
One being the sperm must be capable of propelling through the vagina and cervix to reach the egg. Two, the conditions must be just right for the sperm to travel through the layers of cervical mucus that guard the entrance to the uterus. Three, the sperm must have the capability of converting to a form that can penetrate the cell membrane of the egg.
Jumping back a few steps you can follow the path that the semen follows starting at ejaculation. This starts with the semen forming into a gel that protects it from the acidic environment of the vagina. The gel is liquefied by the prostate gland within 20 to 30 minutes by enzymes. This liquefaction is key to free the sperm for transportation to occur. The seminal plasma is then left in the vagina following ejaculation, and the sperm continues its journey.
The protected sperm starts to travel through the layers of cervical mucus that guard the entrance to the uterus. This is easier for the sperm during ovulation because the barrier becomes thinner and changes its acidity levels. This in turns creates a friendlier environment for the sperm. The cervical mucus in turn also acts as a reservoir for extended sperm survival while traveling to the uterus.
Once the sperm has entered the uterus through the cervical mucus the woman’s contractions, propel the sperm further upward into the fallopian tubes. This complex path all occurs within minutes after ejaculation has occurred.
The male external reproductive organs include the penis: A tubular muscular organ that fills with blood during arousal, which in turn makes sexual intercourse possible. The scrotum: Or pouch-like sac hangs below the penis and encases the testicles. And the testicles: Which are two oval-shaped organs that produce sperm cells and testosterone in health males.
Switching sides and looking the woman’s process we begin much earlier at ovulation. This occurs before intercourse and ends once the egg reaches its final destination the uterus. Following ovulation, the fimbriated (finger-like) end of the fallopian tube sweeps over the ovary. Adhesive sites on the cilia - located on the surface of the fimbriae - allow the egg movement into the tube. The cilia within the tube, and natural muscular contractions resulting from the movement of the egg, which in turn creates forward motion. The whole process through the tube takes about 30 hours from start to finish.
The female reproductive anatomy includes parts inside and outside the body. Ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina all playing a key role in a woman’s reproductive system. The function of the external female reproductive structures plays to parts during intercourse. First it enables sperm to enter the body. And second, it protects the internal genital organs from infectious organisms.
The female reproductive system is designed to carry out several functions within the female body. It produces the female egg cells necessary for reproduction. This system is designed to transport the ova to the site of future where fertilization will/could occur. Conception, where the fertilization of an egg by a sperm is completed within the fallopian tubes. Next the fertilized egg is to implant into the walls of the uterus, thus beginning the first stages of pregnancy. If fertilization or implantation of the egg does not take place. The female body recognizes this and naturally goes into the menstruation process where the lining of the uterus is washed away with the egg that was produced. This is all controlled by the female reproductive system producing female sex hormones that maintain the natural reproductive cycle.
Once the egg arrives at the tube, called the ampullar-isthmic junction, it rests for another thirty hours. Fertilization will then occur in this portion of the tube if semen successfully travels through its path. The fertilized egg then begins a rapid descent to the uterus which is necessary for full development of the fertilized egg, and for the uterus to prepare to receive the egg.
The main external structures of the female reproductive system include Labia majora: Which encloses and protects the other external reproductive organs. Labia minora: Which are just inside the labia majora, surrounding the opening to the vagina. Bartholin's glands: They produce fluid or a mucus secretion designed as lubrication. These glands are located at the vaginal opening. And last the Clitoris: The two labia minora - previously discussed - meet at the clitoris. The clitoris is a sensitive protrusion that is similar to the penis in males. The clitoris is very sensitive and the main form of stimulation and pleasure for a woman during intercourse besides penetration of the penis into the vagina.
Taking the female’s egg process you can now follow the sperms travel to the egg after ejaculation to fertilization and embryo development. Following ovulation, the egg is only capable of fertilization for 12 to 24 hours. The contact between the egg and sperm is also random, so even if ejaculation occurs when an egg is present does not mean fertilization and embryo development will occur.