A.2 Overview Of Fertilization And Implantation

Front 1

What is Ovulation, where does it occur and when does it occur?

Back 1

Ovulation is when one of the ovaries release/expels the eggs out into the open oviduct.

It occurs generally at the midpoint of a 28 day cycle (day 14) but this varies.

Front 2

What is Fertilization, where does it occur and when does it occur?

Back 2

Fertilization is when an egg and sperm unite.
Occurs in the oviduct/ampulla
Occurs with 2 scenarios:
(a) sperm is waiting for the egg
(b) eggs is waiting for the sperm (however the egg survives only 24hr after ovulation unless it is fertilized)

Front 3

What is sperm transport, how does it occur and where does it occur?

Back 3

Sperm travels from the vagina through the cervix into the ampulla

Front 4

What is implantation, how does it occur and where does it occur?

Back 4

Fertilized egg/zygote will divide and form the blastocyst as it travels from the ampulla to the uterus where it will implant onto the wall.

Front 5

What are two basic options do we have to prevent fertilization in the oviduct?

Back 5

1. Remove the sperm from the environment
2. Remove the egg from the environment

Front 6

What are the options to removing the sperm to avoid fertilization?

Back 6

1) Vasectomy, male condoms (doesn't allow sperm to exit the male or enter the female.
2) Female condoms, diaphragms, hormonal contraceptives (doesn't allow sperm to get too far in the female)
3) IUDs, spermicides (kill the sperm)

Front 7

What are the options to removing the egg when preventing fertilization?

Back 7

1) Hormonal Contraceptives (doesn't allow the egg exit the ovary)
2) Tubal ligation (doesn't allow egg to reach the ampulla of the oviduct)

Front 8

How do you avoid implantation in the uterus? Give examples.

Back 8

Alter the endometrial lining so that a fertilized egg cannot support implantation.
This can be done via hormonal contraceptives, IUDs and also emergency contraceptives (post-coital contraception)