Reproductive Process

At Gyft Clinic we educate you. On this page you'll learn about the male and female human reproductive process. This information will show how the should be responding with reproductive functions. Like other processes in your body your reproductive process can suffer setbacks. Diseases, conditions and injuries can affect sperm count, fallopian tubes and the uterus. Our staff will work with you to find the causes of your male or female infertility.

Female Reproductive Process

During the female reproductive process one or more eggs are released from the ovary. This process is called ovulation. The egg is drawn into the fallopian tubes. Here they wait for fertilization from migrating male sperm. Once the egg is fertilized they continue down the fallopian tubes until they reach the uterus. In the uterus the implanted egg is supposed to form a baby. The process seems simple and easy. Several steps have to take place for this to happen. Let's take a closer look.

Step 1: Hormone Regulation

Two hormones regulate egg production and release from the ovary. These are known as FSH and LH. Both are made by the pituitary gland. It's located at the base of a woman's brain. Inside your ovary, the primary hormone FH stimulates the making of eggs within small sacks, called follicles.

Each month several follicles can develop. Usually one matures faster than the other. Once the dominant follicle matures an LH surge causes the follicle to rupture. The egg is forced out onto the surface of the ovary. This process is called, ovulation. When the egg is released it is renamed, "corpus luteum". It produces a hormone called progesterone. Along with estrogen progesterone helps your uterus prepare for possible conception. Learn more about this process in "Ovulation Induction" under Ovarian Physiology.

Step 2: Traveling to the Fallopian Tubes

Fimbriae are hair-like projections. They're located at the end of and inside your fallopian tube. Their job is to draw the egg from the surface of your ovary into the tube. Your fertilized egg has to make its way down the fallopian tube to your uterus. This shows you have normal fallopian tubes. They can support fertilization and embryonic development. Learn more about "Tubal Factors" under "Diagnosing Infertility. You'll get information on tubal factors associated with infertility.

Step 3: Fertilization

Next, your egg waits for fertilization from a male sperm. During this step its assumed normal sperm function is happening. And there are no obstructions to prevent sperm from reaching your egg. See "Anatomical Factors", "Cervical Factors", and "Male Infertility" under "Diagnosing Infertility" for more information.

Step 4: Pre-Implantation State

Over 7 days your fertilized egg must develop into a pre-implantation embryo. The egg, sperm and embryo must be able to reach the pre-implantation state. See "Embryology" for information on embryo development and sources of attrition.

Step 5: Implanting of the Pre-Implantation Embryo

The pre-implantation embryo implants in your uterine lining and develops into a fetus. Once this happens your fetus can carry to term.

A functional and inviting uterus and uterine lining are needed for this step. Both are required to accept and maintain your pregnancy. See "Uterine Factors" under "Diagnosing Infertility". You'll get more information on uterine factors affecting your fertility potential.

Each step can be the source of a fertility problem. We understand you don't know which step has been interrupted. Now you don't have to worry about why you're having infertility problems. Your infertility specialist will identify and treat problems in your reproductive process.

Male Reproductive Process

The male reproductive process is less complicated. Its primary function is to make sperm. The process is known as spermatogenesis. In males spermatogenesis begins at puberty. The process takes place in the testis. It happens in extensive maze-like structures called semi-niferous tubules.

Like in females, the FSH and LH hormones are involved with male reproduction. The LH hormone triggers testosterone production in the semi-niferous tubules. The FHS hormone regulates sperm production. There are steps to the male reproduction process. Each is designed to hopefully reach and fertilize female eggs.

Step 1: Sperm Creation

Immature sperm cells are created in the membranes of the semi-niferous tubules. The sperm cells continue to change into haploid spermatids. They're eventually released into the lumen of the semi-niferous tubules. They become nearly functional sperm called spermatozoa. The spermatozoa are transported through the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct. Here they undergo the final stages of maturation.

Step 2: Ejaculation

If the male is continually sexually aroused, he'll reach the point of ejaculation. The mature sperm are forced from the epididymis through the vas deferens. They'll combine with fluid from the seminal vesicles and prostate. The sperm goes through the urethra. If ejaculation occurs during coitus the semen is deposited into the vagina.

Step 3: Penetration, Navigation and Fertilization

The sperm if functioning properly leaves the seminal fluid. Within 10 minutes it will accomplish two things. Penetrate the cervical mucus and navigate the cervical canal, uterus, and Fallopian tubes. Its goal is to find an egg to fertilize or literally die trying. Millions sperm are deposited into the vagina. Only a few hundred will get close to having contact with an egg.

Contact the Gyft Clinic for affordable fertility and gynecology services. Schedule an appointment at 253-777-1964.