The five basic elements necessary for pregnancy are all equally important and indispensable:

  • Healthy sperm
  • Healthy egg cells
  • Unobstructed fallopian tubes (where sperm meets the egg)
  • High-quality sperm that can fertilize the egg
  • A healthy embryo that can implant in the uterus

Uterus and Environment

The uterus is the organ responsible for nurturing the embryo and fetus, as well as producing menstrual flow. It is located in the central pelvic cavity, between the bladder and rectum, and is shaped like an upside-down pear. The uterus typically weighs between 50 and 70 grams, measures 7 to 8 centimeters in length, 4 to 5 centimeters in width, and 2 to 3 centimeters in thickness. The uterus is divided into three parts: the fundus (top), body (middle), and cervix (lower part). The proportion of the body to the cervix changes with age: it is 1:2 before puberty, 2:1 during the reproductive years, and 1:1 after menopause.

The uterine wall is composed of three layers from the outside in:

  1. Serosal Layer: The outermost layer, which is a continuation of the peritoneum.
  2. Muscular Layer: The middle layer, which is made up of smooth muscle and is responsible for the contractions during menstruation and labor.
  3. Mucosal Layer (Endometrium): The innermost layer, which undergoes cyclic changes during the menstrual cycle in response to hormones. This layer is crucial for the implantation and nourishment of the embryo.

The cervix, the lower part of the uterus, connects to the vagina through the external cervical os. The cervical canal’s mucosa secretes alkaline mucus, which changes in composition during the menstrual cycle under the influence of sex hormones. This mucus serves several functions: it creates a mucus plug that can open to allow sperm to pass through, and it also acts as a barrier to protect against harmful bacteria entering from the outside.

A healthy uterus and optimal internal environment are essential for the successful implantation of a healthy embryo and the maintenance of pregnancy. This environment is carefully regulated by hormonal cycles, which prepare the uterus to receive and support the developing embryo, ensuring a safe and nourishing environment for the entire pregnancy term.