After ovulation has occurred, the ovum remains viable for
A. 1 to 6 hrs
B. 12 to 24 hrs
C. 24 to 36 hrs
D. 48 to 72 hrs
Correct Answer: B. 12 to 24 hrs
Explanation
After ovulation, the ovum (egg) remains viable for about 12 to 24 hours.
Here’s a bit more detail:
• Ovulation is the release of a mature egg from the ovary.
• Once released, the egg travels into the fallopian tube, where fertilization by sperm can occur.
• If the egg is not fertilized within 12–24 hours, it begins to degenerate and is eventually absorbed by the body.
• This short viability period is why the fertile window in a menstrual cycle is limited, usually a few days before and up to a day after ovulation, since sperm can survive 3–5 days in the female reproductive tract.
Other Options Details
After ovulation occurs, the egg (ovum) is released from the ovary and is available for fertilization. However, it remains viable only for a limited period. Let’s go through the options you provided:
A. 1 to 6 hours
• This option is too short. The ovum does not remain viable for just a few hours. Fertilization within this period is possible but uncommon, as sperm can survive in the female reproductive tract for longer, increasing the window of potential fertilization.
B. 12 to 24 hours
• This is the most widely accepted time frame for ovum viability after ovulation. After release, the egg can be fertilized for approximately 12 to 24 hours. After this period, the egg starts degenerating, making fertilization highly unlikely.
C. 24 to 36 hours
• Some sources extend viability slightly beyond 24 hours, suggesting that in rare cases the ovum may survive up to 36 hours. However, the chance of fertilization decreases significantly after the first 24 hours.
D. 48 to 72 hours
This is too long for ovum viability. By 48 hours after ovulation, the egg is usually no longer capable of being fertilized. If pregnancy occurs, it would have to be from sperm that reached the egg much earlier.
Summary:
The ovum is most viable 12–24 hours after ovulation, making this the critical period for fertilization. Sperm, on the other hand, can survive 3–5 days in the female reproductive tract, which is why intercourse a few days before ovulation can also result in pregnancy.
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Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)