
Originally Posted by
marycohs
I understand that sperm can swim on its own through the cervix and uterus. But how does it enter the cervix? Does it rely on the pumping that occurs during ejaculation to shoot it into the cervix's opening? What are the chances of it swimming on its own from the vagina into the opening of the cervix?
Thank you.
Hi,
If they didn't go through then conception would never happen. There are a few things going on here so bear with me. First off there is a clear path between the vaginal canal through the cervix to the uterus. It isn't closed or blocked off. Your ejaculate is deposited into that vaginal canal and then nature takes over. After 15-30min your semen will thin out and make things easier. The cervix will be bathed in semen so it won't be too hard for the sperm to get through the cervix. They are good swimmers.
Thing of it like a flock of birds flying through the grand canyon. Once through they swim up the fallopian tubes to find that elusive egg. Conception actually occurs in the fallopian tubes and then the fertilized egg implants it self a few days later in the uterus.
To answer your questions specifically:
- Sperm enters and passed by the cervix by swimming. Their tail will propel them through the opening. An interesting fact though, when you're on a hormonal birth control, one of the effects is a thicker coating of mucus on the cervix which limits the access of sperm through the cervix. Normally though it isn't that big of a problem. Like driving a car through a tunnel or under a overpass.
- It doesn't rely on the pumping of the ejaculate to pump the semen through the cervix. It would be almost impossible to couple the penis and cervix in such a way that you're pumping in and through.
- The chances are high, Approaching 100% that the sperm will swim through on their own through the cervix and into the uterus and beyond!