Method of conception

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

The process of conceiving a baby.

Ivf.png

Definition[edit | edit source]

The intricate biological phenomenon known as conception, which refers to the process by which a sperm fertilizes an egg, is absolutely necessary for human reproduction. In this article, we will explore the many different stages that are required in order to conceive a child as well as the factors that can influence a woman's fertility.

Ovulation[edit | edit source]

Ovulation, which is the process of releasing a fully developed egg from the ovary, is the first step in the process of becoming pregnant. An intricate balance of hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone, is what ultimately determines whether or not a woman will ovulate (LH). The egg is subsequently transported to the fallopian tube, where it is exposed to sperm in order to become fertilized.

Transfer of the sperm[edit | edit source]

[The vas deferens is the duct that delivers sperm from the testes to the urethra. Sperm are created in the testes and transferred to the vas deferens. Afterwards, they are transferred via ejaculation into the reproductive tract of the female during sexual activity. In order for there to be a successful conception, the sperm must be able to navigate their way through the cervical mucus and make their way to the egg that is located in the fallopian tube.

Fertilization[edit | edit source]

When the sperm finally reaches the egg, they have to be able to attach themselves to the surface of the egg and then break through the protective barrier that the egg has, which is termed the corona radiata. The process of sperm penetrating an egg is referred to as "sperm penetration," because it is essential for fertilization to take place.

Zygote[edit | edit source]

After the sperm have been successful in penetrating the egg, the membrane of the egg will go through a process that is referred to as the "acrosome response," which assists the sperm in releasing their genetic material into the egg. Following this, the egg will go through a process referred to be "syngamy," which will result in the formation of a single cell known as a zygote from the fusing of the egg and sperm nuclei.

Factors[edit | edit source]

Fertility and the capacity to conceive a child can be influenced by a wide variety of external and internal circumstances. The following are some of the most common factors that lead to infertility:

  1. Ovulation disorders include ailments such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and primary ovarian insufficiency. Ovulation disorders can affect women of all ages (POI).
  2. Tubal variables can include illnesses such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and endometriosis, both of which can cause damage to the fallopian tubes and make it harder for the sperm to reach the egg in the uterus. Other tubal factors include age, race, and ethnicity.
  3. Infertility caused by male factors can refer to a number of different disorders, such as a low sperm count or poor sperm motility.
  4. Uterine or cervical variables: These factors include include disorders such as fibroids or a thicker cervix, both of which can make it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg in the uterus.

Methods of conception[edit | edit source]

For couples who are having difficulty conceiving, there are a number of different therapy options available. These are the following:

  1. Medications that encourage or prompt ovulation
  2. Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
  3. In vitro fertilization (IVF)
  4. Injection of sperm into the intracytoplasmic space (ICSI)
  5. Donor sperm or egg
  6. Surrogacy

Summary[edit | edit source]

Conceiving a child is an intricate biological procedure that demands the cooperation of a number of hormones as well as the healthy operation of the reproductive organs. Fertility and the capacity to conceive can be impacted by a variety of variables, including those related to ovulation disorders, tubal factors, male factor infertility, and uterine or cervical factors. Help is available for couples who are having difficulty conceiving a child through a variety of treatment options, including medicines, intrauterine insemination (IUI), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), donor sperm or egg, and surrogacy.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021). Ovulation Induction. Retrieved from https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/gynecologic-problems/ovulation-induction
  2. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine. (2021). Infertility. Retrieved from https://www.asrm.org/global-resources/patient-information/infertility/
  3. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2021).
Method of conception Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg

Translate to: East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski



Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD