Female Infertility
Requirements For Conception to Occur
In both sexes –
- » A normal functioning reproductive system
- » An adequate sex drive, and full sexual intercourse
In Women
- » A regular ovulatory cycle.
- » Fully functioning fallopian tubes.
- » The production of watery mucus by the cervix around the time of ovulation, this permits the ejaculated sperm to pass into the uterus from the vagina.
- » A uterus which permits implantation of the embryo.
In Men
- » Producing semen which contains sufficient numbers of healthy motile sperm.
- » The ability to achieve erection and ejaculate semen into the vagina.
Normal Cycle
At the beginning of the menstrual cycle, the pituitary gland in your brain releases follicle – stimulating hormone (FSH) which stimulates the ovary to produce follicles. One of these follicles grows faster to become the ” dominant follicle”. It is from this follicle that the egg will be released.
The ovaries also produce many hormones, the most important ones are oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen promotes growth of the follicles and development of the endometrium, while progesterone, which is released after ovulation, is important in preparing the endometrium for pregnancy.
When the egg is released, it is swept into the fallopian tube, then begins to move slowly down the tube to be fertilised in the outer third of the fallopian tube, and then continues to the uterus to implant in the lining ( endometruim ) resulting in a pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilised, the endometium is shed as a menstrual period approximately 14 days after ovulation.
