After ejaculation inside the vagina, sperm begin a journey through the female reproductive system. Millions of sperm are released, but only a few manage to reach their destination.
The Sperm's Journey
- Vagina: Sperm initially enter the vagina.
- Cervix: They then navigate the cervix, a canal that connects the vagina to the uterus. Cervical mucus assists sperm survival and movement.
- Uterus: From the cervix, sperm move into the uterus, aided by uterine contractions.
- Fallopian Tubes: Finally, sperm ascend into the fallopian tubes, where fertilization of an egg might occur. The first sperm reach the fallopian tubes within minutes of ejaculation.
Survival Time: Motile sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days. The cervical mucus acts as a reservoir, extending sperm survival time.
Fertilization: If a sperm successfully fertilizes an egg within the fallopian tubes, pregnancy can occur.
Important Note: Not all sperm reach the fallopian tubes. Many are lost along the way.
References:
- UCSF Center for Reproductive Health: Motile sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for up to 5 days.
- Cloudnine Fertility: When a man ejaculates inside the vagina, a million sperms are released and a few of them manage to travel into the cervix and uterus and up the fallopian tube.
- ScienceDirect Topics: In the female reproductive tract, sperm transport begins in the upper vagina and ends in the ampulla of the uterine tube, where the spermatozoa make contact.
- MedlinePlus: Sperm can live inside a woman's body for less than 5 days.
