It would help if you waited until your period ends before you begin counting the days until ovulation and then rest until you test for pregnancy. If you could have a Magic School Bus view into the uterus of your baby — wow, it was awesome! But, what will the time be like when you witness the meeting between the sperm and egg. In other words, how long is the process of conception? The process, according to experts, is almost like an art.
“Within 18 to 24 hours after the meeting of egg and sperm, the fertilization occurs, and an embryo is created in the fallopian tube,” Dr. Aaron Styer, OB-GYN and reproductive endocrinologist at the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine in Boston, tells Romper in an interview via email. “At this point, the genetic material from the male (egg) as well as male (sperm) begin to guide to the growth of embryos. Then, about 5 to 7 days following fertilization, an embryo exits the fallopian tube and goes into the uterus, where it is implanted and begins to grow.”
The most frequent method used to become pregnant is through penis-in-vagina sexual activity. However, if semen (cum) is found on the vulva or near an opening in the vaginal lining, then sperm cells could be able to enter the vagina and trigger the birth of a baby, but it is much less prevalent. One way to determine the presence of your pregnancy is to examine pregnancy. You can purchase a pregnancy test from a drugstore or visit the nearest Planned Parenthood health center. If you’ve experienced unprotected sexual relations and do not want to become pregnant, you might think about evaluating the use of emergency contraception (EC).
There are several contraceptives for emergencies (AKA”the morning-after pill). The best one for you will depend on several factors, including whether you’ve had sex or sex, your weight and whether you’re breastfeeding, and what type is most convenient for you to find. Whatever kind you choose, EC works better the quicker you begin to take it.
In which area is fertilization occurring?
Many people believe that fertilization happens in the uterus since there is where the baby grows. However, it happens within the fallopian tube.
Each sperm has a specific purpose: to make contact with an egg. However, to achieve this goal, the sperm cell needs to travel for a long and strenuous trip.
It must first move from the vagina to the cervix then traverse the uterus and fallopian tubes. Once it is there, if the sperm is a lucky one, it’ll get into an egg, fertilizing it. Next, the fertilized egg (a zygote) will travel through the fallopian tubes and into the uterus. Then, it is likely to get a place in the uterine walls and develop into a baby.
Often, implantation occurs inside the uterus in the same way as it is supposed to. But, occasionally, the fertilized egg is implanted in uterus-free areas. This is referred to as ectopic pregnancy.
Hatching a Woman’s Egg
When the baby girl is born, she’ll have more than one million eggs in her Ovaries. As she grows older and matures as she gets older, the eggs begin to lose their luster, and a mature egg is released from the ovaries about once every 28 days. The egg then travels to the fallopian tube and is there all day long. If the egg is not fertilized with fertilized sperm, this mature egg will be placed in the uterus and broken into pieces. If there is no conception, the ovary stops synthesizing hormones like progesterone or estrogen, as well as the thick uterine lining.
For Couples Trying To Conceive
When pregnant, most couples need around three months to get pregnant. The length of time can vary drastically depending on a range of factors, including the couple’s age and other habits that can impact fertility, like smoking. Most women are pregnant within three months, and 85% of women have their first year. Suppose you’re still waiting to be pregnant after one year of trying. In that case, it is suggested to seek out a fertility professional to determine if there are any fertility issues or a way to increase the odds of becoming pregnant.
How Sperm are Produced
The human body is constantly producing millions of sperm made to search for and break into eggs. It takes between 2 and 3 months for the body to make a sperm cell, and the average lifespan of sperm cells is just a few weeks. The hormone responsible for regulating the production of sperm is testosterone, and sperm are stored within the testicles. Before ejaculation, the sperm mixes with semen. The sperm that passes to the egg decides on the gender and gender identity of the child. For example, if the sperm contains a Y chromosome, it is likely to result in the birth of a boy, but an X chromosome would lead to the gender of a girl.
What is the time frame for sperm to produce fertilization for an egg?
Contrary to what most people think, fertilization does not happen immediately after sex. The sperm that is the fastest can reach the egg as quickly as an hour following; however, the whole fertilization process could take up to several hours. After Ejaculation, the sperm will be getting ready for the long journey.
In about half an hour after sexual activity, the semen begins to solidify in the female vagina, creating an actual barrier that stops the sperm from traveling far off in the wrong direction. This barrier disappears after 30 minutes after semen reliquefies.
The sperm that hasn’t passed through the cervix is removed from the vagina. The vagina is extremely acidic and rapidly destroys all unruly cells, including the sperm.
From Sex to Conception
There is nearly the same amount of sperm with either a male chromosome or a female chromosome. This is the determining factor for which gender will be born to the infant at the stage of egg fertilization. It also plays an important role in trying to get the egg. Although male sperm isn’t as durable, they have an advantage in speed. So while they’re slower than their male counterparts, the advantage in durability is given to female Sperm.
If they can survive long enough to get to the fallopian tube, the sperm cells can rest and relax in a secure environment conducive to their ongoing life. Some even bind to the fallopian tubes to ensure that they get natural nourishment (source: Channel4.com].
As an egg enters the fallopian tube through the other end, it emits an aroma that makes the Sperm cells mad. They are extremely enthusiastic and begin the process of capacitation, where they shed specific proteins and are extremely exuberant. The shedding of proteins and the increase in mobility assist the Sperm cell in its attempt to enter the egg.
When sperm cells finally contact an egg, its head releases enzymes that allow it to penetrate the egg’s outer layer. When a sperm cell makes contact with the egg make contact with the egg, the two cells, sperm, and eggs, become one cell, referred to as a zygote. This change blocks other sperm cells from passing into the egg (sources: Channel4.com, Suarez].
What happens when you’re having sex?
In addition to excitement, your body accumulates tension that you want to end with an orgasm. Orgasms also serve an important biological role. For males, orgasms push semen rich in sperm into the vagina and upwards towards the cervix, at about 10-15 miles an hour. Ejaculation force provides the sperm with a great head start in their journey into the egg.
The role of the female orgasm isn’t as evident. It is believed to improve the bond between lovers and that uterine contractions aid the sperm in their journey. However, we know that women don’t have to go through orgasm for conception to occur. Uterine contractions occur even without the need for an orgasm.
Many couples ask whether a certain sex posture is ideal for conception. Unfortunately, there is no way to know for certain. The most important aspect of sexual relationships is that you’re enjoying yourself and doing it frequently enough.
How long can sperm remain in you for long enough to cause you to be pregnant?
Sperm can remain in the reproductive system of females for approximately 72 hours. The sperm could last for as long as five days in certain instances. However, the life span of the egg is smaller. The egg is only twelve to twenty-four hours following ovulation.
If sperm don’t hang around when the egg reaches the tube of fallopian tubes (or when they fail to arrive at the place within a short time after the egg’s arrival), the body absorbs the egg, and the window to conceive that month ends.
As you’ve likely already learned that the path to fertilization can be bumpy, which is full of turns and twists. It requires lots of effort to find the perfect conditions and time for the eggs and sperm to match together and create the baby you’ve always wanted. When they do, then you’ve started your wonderful adventure: the parenting journey.