During a menstrual cycle, approximately 1,000 immature eggs are lost each month.
Understanding Egg Loss During a Period
It's essential to distinguish between the egg that is ovulated and the eggs that are lost each month. While one mature egg is released from the ovary during ovulation, a much larger number of immature eggs are lost. This process of losing immature eggs is a natural part of the reproductive cycle.
Immature Egg Loss
The reference states that a woman loses about 1,000 immature eggs each month. This significant number of eggs are not viable for fertilization and are therefore lost. This loss is part of the body’s natural selection process of choosing the strongest egg for ovulation.
Why does this happen?
The female body has a finite supply of eggs, which begin to develop before birth. This loss of immature eggs is a normal occurrence and is the primary reason for the decline in fertility as women age.
Summarizing Egg Loss
| Aspect | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mature egg ovulated | 1 |
| Immature eggs lost | ~1,000 |
Therefore, while one egg is released monthly, about 1,000 immature eggs are lost each month.
