One of the best things you can do while undergoing fertility treatments is to stay informed about your sexual health. Here's everything you need to know about the reproductive organs in the female and male body.
Male and Female Reproductive System
→ Female Reproductive Organs
The female reproductive organs are probably one of the most important parts of the conception process. These organs prepare the female body for fertilization and house the developing fetus during pregnancy. The vagina, also known as the birth canal, is the hollow canal that receives the penis during intercourse and is what gives birth to a baby during childbirth. The ovaries are located on either side of the uterus and produce the eggs. Each month, an egg is released into the fallopian tube, where it can meet with sperm for fertilization. The fertilized egg then travels to the uterus where it attaches to its lining. The uterus holds and nourishes a baby during pregnancy once the fertilized egg (embryo) implants.
→ Male Reproductive Organs
There are fewer male reproductive organs than female reproductive organs, but they are just as important in the conception process. First, the penis is a cylindrical muscular organ that fills with blood during stimulation. This erection makes penetration possible during intercourse. The scrotum is a pouch-like sac that holds the testicles. The testicles are oval-shaped organs that produce sperm and testosterone. Sperm is released during ejaculation which occurs during male orgasm. During intercourse, sperm travel through the vagina and past the cervix, where they can meet and fertilize the woman's released egg.
Get help with Advanced Reproductive Medicine
Conception depends both on sperm motility and the man's sperm count and on the healthy and functional state of the woman's reproductive organs. Assisted reproductive technology has the potential to help the conception process if something abnormal occurs with the genitals. The Center for Reproductive Medicine and Fetal Medicine-Dr. Alexandros Traianos is here to help you create your family. If you have been trying to get pregnant for 6 months to a year without positive results, consult our reproductive specialists. During a consultation, we will work to diagnose the cause of your infertility and begin an individualized treatment plan.