These are the steps necessary for pregnancy to happen
- At midcycle (usually around day 14) an egg is released from one of the ovaries.
- The egg is then picked up by the fallopian tube.
- If the couple has had intercourse within the past several days, sperm have been deposited in the vagina.
- The sperm swim into the now thin cervical mucous.
- The cervix acts as a reservoir and allows a continuous supply of sperm to swim up into the uterus.
- The sperm swim up through the uterus into the fallopian tube.
- Fertilization occurs near the end of the fallopian tube.
- The fertilized egg divides and travels towards the uterus.
- Implantation of the fertilized egg to the uterus wall occurs within about 1 week.
- The ovary secretes progesterone that enabales the pregnancy to be maintained.
These are some of the reasons why couples are unable to achieve pregnancy
- The couple are unable to have or complete sexual intercourse.
- The couple do not have intercourse at the proper time of the month.
- The male partner's sperm are absent or abnormal.
- The fallopian tubes are blocked or damaged.
- The cervical mucous is hostile and kills off the sperm.
- Ovulation occurs either rarely or not at all.
- A condition called endometriosis is present.
- The ovary produces insufficient progesterone to maintain pregnancy.
- Abnormalities in the uterus make implantation difficult.
