A Beginner's Guide to Fertilisation

 

Fertilization is a natural biological process in which male and female gametes fuse to generate a zygote. During coitus, thousands of sperms are inseminated into the female vagina. Although all these sperms travel to the fallopian tube, only a very small percentage make their way there. The fallopian tube is where the eggs are fertilized. The secondary oocyte exits the ovary's mature graafian follicle and enters the fallopian tube, where it is fertilized within 24 hours before being released.

The oocyte is fertilized by a single sperm, although it may be surrounded by many. The sperm enters the secondary oocyte during meiosis-II, which completes the meiosis process. The egg is the name given to the second oocyte after that. Both sperm and eggs have a limited time to exhibit their viability. In the female reproductive system, the sperm may survive for 48-72 hours, whereas an egg can be fertilized for up to 24 hours before being released.

Binding of the egg and sperm can also be done in the lab. This is made possible using Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), namely the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) method, and is considered as a viable process of fertilization.

Process of Fertilization

The process of fertilization is divided into three primary stages. Chemotaxis, Acrosomal reaction (sperm activation) and Adhesion of sperm to eggs.

Women ovulate once a month during the menstrual cycle, which plays a key role in conception. When this cycle releases an egg cell from the ovaries, the first step of fertilization begins. When a sperm encounters an oocyte, it binds to the zona pellucida, which is a thick coating of a jelly-like extracellular matrix made up of glycoproteins that surrounds the egg. When a particular molecule on the sperm's surface binds to a ZP3 glycoprotein in the zona pellucida, the acrosome reaction is started. Hyaluronidase is produced by the acrosome process, and it ferments the hyaluronic acid surrounding the egg, allowing the sperm to pass through.

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Following successful sperm implantation, the egg's cortical granules fuse with the cell's plasma membrane and are discharged into the zona pellucida, causing the surface to become stiff and impervious. The cortical response guarantees that just one sperm cell enters the egg and fertilizes it.

Once the sperm has successfully reached the egg, the outer coating and tail of the sperm disintegrate. The oocyte goes through meiosis to become a haploid ovum. The genetic material of sperm and egg, each of which has 23 chromosomes, is merged, resulting in a diploid cell with 46 chromosomes, called as a zygote. The zygote then undergoes mitosis, which is the repeated cellular division essential for an organism's growth, to generate a blastocyst. This is then implanted into the uterine wall, initiating the pregnancy.

If you have more questions about the process of fertilization, you can consult a gynecologist. You can also ask about the IVF method. Even the best pediatricians in Hyderabad say that this method has successfully resulted in healthy babies.

Also, Read - 1st month Pregnancy Diet Chart

PMS Symptoms and Remedies

 

It's a common stereotype that women are more emotional than men. While this is not the case, many women do suffer from hormonal imbalances. And if you've ever experienced a bout of extreme emotions during your period, you're definitely not alone.

The problem of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is very common among women, especially before the menstrual cycle starts and ends. The most prevalent symptoms include anxiety, loss of appetite, cold and headache attacks, and swelling of the feet and hands.

Taking precautionary measures against this illness can help a lot in decreasing its intensity. So, try to avoid stress and lifestyle changes, and get plenty of rest and nutrition. Try out the remedies that are given below too, and get to know some remedies too.

PMS: Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of PMS can vary from mild to severe depending on your body. For some women, even doing daily tasks can seem close to impossible. The severity of PMS symptoms is greater in the case of the depressed woman. Sometimes, life factors such as smoking, eating high amounts of fatty foods, and lack of physical activity can worsen PMS.

Emotional Symptoms

·     Anxiety and restlessness

·     Unnecessary anger and irritability

·     Appetite changes

·     Losing concentration

·     Rapid shifts in the mood

·     Changes in the sleeping schedule

·     There is no control over crying.

Physical Symptoms

·     Abdominal bloating

·     Cramping

·     Sore and swollen breasts

·     Acne

·     Constipation

·     Diarrhoea

·     Headaches

·     Back and muscle pain

·     Sensitivity to Light

Remedies to Cope With PMS

·     Increase the consumption of calcium carbonate-rich diets. You can get it from calcium supplements, soya milk, almond milk, cereal, cereal bars, and much more.

·     Taking pain relievers is the best solution to alleviate PMS cramps. You can take ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen for quick relief from PMS symptoms.

·     Stress can lead to the worsening of PMS symptoms. To reduce it, you can take part in physical activities like yoga and meditation. These can stimulate endorphin secretion, which is known as the natural painkiller for the human body.

·     Women suffering from premenstrual dysphoric syndrome feel a lot of relief from the anti-depressants. Hence, it can be another option when it comes to managing period pain.

Important PMS Management Hints

·     Always choose a balanced diet over consuming anything. Encourage the intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains as well as fatty acids.

·     Exercise regularly because it will not only boost your mood but also take care of your metabolism's functioning properly.

·     Get a sufficient amount of sleep to avoid irritation the next morning.

·     Power up your body with supplements like Vitamin B6, Vitamin D, and magnesium. However, consult your doctor to prevent side effects.

Conclusion

In the end, only you know what treatment works best for your PMS and the reasons for your mood swings. If one doesn't work out well, try another. Do as much research as you can, and don't be afraid to consult with a doctor if you're really struggling.

Sometimes PMS is just something we have to learn to deal with, but that doesn't mean we can't do our best to make it less disruptive. Make sure to try out some reusable period products such as menstrual cups, period panties by Kotex, and much more.