To become pregnant, the following steps must occur:
- Sperm transport — The sperm must be deposited and transported to the site of fertilization.
- Egg transport — Ovulation must occur and the egg must be "picked up" by the tube.
- Fertilization and embryo development — Union between the sperm and egg must result.
What happens when conceived?
Conception occurs when a sperm cell from a fertile man swims up through the vagina and into the uterus of a woman and joins with the woman's egg cell as it travels down one of the fallopian tubes from the ovary to the uterus.
How long does it take for sperm to reach the egg and get pregnant?
Once the sperm enters the reproductive system, it can take about 30-45 minutes to reach the egg. For this, it is important to have a healthy sperm which has the right kind of motility to reach the egg and fertilize it. Once inside the body of a woman, a healthy sperm can live up to 2-5 days.
