When a couple is trying to conceive, it can take some time for the sperm to reach the egg. The journey of sperm can be a long one, depending on the female reproductive system and the location of the egg. In this article, we will explore the journey of sperm and how long it takes for them to reach the egg.
Journey of Sperm
The journey of sperm begins with ejaculation. During ejaculation, sperm is released from the testicles and travels through the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. From there, the sperm enters the female reproductive system.
The sperm then travels through the cervix and into the uterus. In the uterus, the sperm is pushed into the fallopian tubes, where it can survive for up to five days. The sperm swims through the fallopian tubes towards the ovaries, where the egg is located.
Reaching the Egg
Once the sperm reaches the ovaries, it has to find the egg. This process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours. The sperm can only survive for 12-24 hours outside of the body, so it is important for them to reach the egg in a timely manner.
If the sperm is able to find the egg, the sperm will then penetrate the egg and fertilize it. This process is known as conception and can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
The journey of sperm from ejaculation to fertilizing the egg can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours. The sperm must move quickly in order to reach the egg and fertilize it before it dies. If the sperm is able to reach the egg in time, conception will occur.