The occurrence of pregnancy is influenced by two very important processes in the reproductive system, namely spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Through these two processes, sperm and egg cells are formed and allow fertilization to occur.
In medical terms, spermatogenesis is the process of producing and maturation of sperm cells in the male testes. Meanwhile, the process of production and maturation of female eggs is called oogenesis. These two processes are known as gametogenesis.
The Process of Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis
Based on the previous brief explanation, it can be concluded that spermatogenesis and oogenesis are two different processes. One occurs in men and the other occurs in women. To better understand what spermatogonesis and oogenesis are, see the full explanation below:
Spermatogenesis
Sperm consists of three parts, namely an oval-shaped head, body, and a long tail. The head contains genetic material (genes), while the tail is used for locomotion. The average length of sperm from head to tail is 0.05 millimeters.
Spermatogenesis begins in the testes. In a system of tiny tubes called seminiferous tubules, the early, circular sperm cells develop into a tadpole-like shape.
After that, the sperm move to the epididymis, an organ in the form of a long tube to store sperm and complete its development. From the seminiferous tubules to the epididymis takes about 4–6 weeks.
From the epididymis, the sperm again move to the vas deferens (sperm duct) to mix with semen.
When ejaculated, the sperm released by a man amounts to nearly 100 million. However, it only takes one sperm to fertilize the egg until it develops into a fetus in the womb.
One hour after ejaculation, at least 32 percent of sperm will die. However, sperm can live and survive in a woman's body for up to 5 days.
Oogenesis
While still in the womb, a woman's ovaries contain about 6-7 million eggs. At birth, the number of eggs is reduced to only about 1 million pieces.
This egg is "sleeping" and will only "wake up" when a woman enters puberty. It is at this time of puberty that oogenesis or the process of formation and maturation of egg cells occurs.
The mature egg will be released by the ovaries into the fallopian tube (fallopian tube). If successfully fertilized by sperm, the egg will settle in the fallopian tube and attach to the uterine wall.
Otherwise, the egg will be released from the uterus along with the blood and lining of the uterus approximately once a month following the menstrual cycle.
At puberty, of the approximately one million eggs that exist, only about 300,000 will remain. Of these, only 300-400 eggs are mature and will be released during the female reproductive period. As women age, the number and quality of the remaining eggs will decrease.
Difference Between Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis
Broadly speaking, spermatogenesis and oogenesis can be divided into:
| Spermatogenesis | Oogenesis |
| The process of sperm cell formation | Egg formation process |
| Occurs in the testes of men | Occurs in a woman's ovaries |
| Lasts from puberty to late age | It starts when a woman is still a fetus in her mother's womb, stops briefly during infancy and childhood, then starts again after puberty |
| Short growth period | Long growth period |
Spermatogenesis and oogenesis are biological processes related to reproductive function. From these two processes, the beginning of humans can be created. If there are problems in the process of spermatogenesis and oogenesis, a person's fertility can be disrupted.
To find out if you have problems with fertility, you can consult a doctor for a fertility check.