Are Female Eggs Alive Like Sperm?
Yes, both female eggs and sperm are alive, but their lifespans differ significantly. Both are cells with a limited lifespan outside of the body.
- Eggs: A released egg typically survives for less than 24 hours. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia A woman releases only a limited number of mature eggs in her lifetime (approximately 400-500). Fertility Answers
- Sperm: Sperm are more resilient and can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to five days. Natural Cycles However, like eggs, sperm outside the body will die within minutes or hours unless fertilization occurs. NCBI Bookshelf - Fertilization
Key Differences
While both are considered alive and essential for reproduction, key differences exist:
- Size: Eggs are significantly larger than sperm (about 20 times the size). Fertility Answers
- Lifespan: Sperm have a much longer lifespan in the female reproductive tract than eggs.
- Resilience: Sperm demonstrate greater resilience outside the body compared to eggs.
Shared Fate
The ultimate fate of both eggs and sperm is similar. Once released, unless fertilization occurs, they will die within a short time frame. NCBI Bookshelf - Fertilization
