Many people wonder, “When does the egg die after ovulation?” Ovulation is a key part of the menstrual cycle. It is when a mature egg is released from an ovary into the fallopian tube. It is the most fertile time of the month and it is when women are most likely to become pregnant. But if the egg is not fertilized, it will eventually die.
A woman’s menstrual cycle usually lasts 28 days and ovulation happens 13-15 days into the cycle. Ovulation is triggered by a surge of hormones called LH, which causes the follicle in an ovary to swell and produce its highest levels of estrogen. Estrogen causes the uterine lining to thicken in preparation for fertilization.
When the estrogen level reaches its peak, the brain releases LH which triggers ovulation. The follicle bursts and the egg is released from the ovary. As the egg travels down the fallopian tube it may meet sperm and be fertilized, or it could be deposited without meeting sperm and arrive in the uterus unfertilized and be absorbed back into the body. Studies have shown that if the eggs are not fertilized within hours of being deposited, they undergo a well-defined apoptosis process and die. Similarly, if the sperm is unable to reach the eggs within 24 hours of ovulation, they will die and be shed in the next period as menstruation.
However, it is important to remember that sperm can live up to five days in the vagina and fallopian tubes, which means that a person can get pregnant during or just before ovulation, as well as after that period.