Fertilization
About once a month, an egg is released from one of a woman's two ovaries (ovulation). The egg then enters the nearby fallopian tube. During unprotected sexual intercourse, sperm that is ejaculated from the man's penis may reach the egg in the fallopian tube. Fertilization occurs if one of the sperm cells penetrates the egg. The fertilized egg usually travels down the fallopian tube to the uterus.
Current as of: August 2, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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