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How Long Does the Egg Stay in the Fallopian Tube if Not Fertilised?

May 23, 2025

Getting pregnant is one of the most exciting times for every woman. Planning for pregnancy can be overwhelming without a proper understanding of conception, the lifespan of the egg, etc. Conception is when the egg from your fallopian tube and sperm from your partner meet and fertilise—the fertilised egg implants in the uterine lining, resulting in pregnancy. You must be aware of the fallopian tube egg lifespan to understand conception and the lifespan of an egg inside the fallopian tube and after ovulation.

Understanding the Conception Process

Conception is a process that occurs when an egg is released from the ovary and meets the sperm from your partner. The egg travels through the fallopian tube towards your uterus with the help of a tiny finger-like structure called fimbriae. The egg gets fertilised with the sperm during the travel to the uterus.

The sperm is produced by the testicles of men, and during unprotected sex, millions of sperm swim through the vagina and enter into your fallopian tube. Only one sperm breaks the outer layer of the egg, resulting in fertilisation. If the egg does not fertilise, it dissolves.

On successful fertilisation, the fertilised egg, called a zygote, travels down your fallopian tube and grows into a blastocyst. This gets attached to the uterine lining, resulting in implantation. On successful implantation of the blastocyst, the placenta is formed. Now, your body produces hormones, signalling your body that you're pregnant. The uterus lining is maintained and is not shed, so you may miss your period, which helps you know you’re pregnant.

Timeline of Conception

Conception usually occurs 12 to 24 hours after ovulation. Knowing the exact date of ovulation can help you get pregnant. Knowing the exact length of your menstrual cycle can help track your ovulation date. The menstrual cycle starts on the first day of your period. Ovulation starts on the 14th, the day after the first day of the period. Within 24 hours of the ovulation, fertilisation occurs. Six days after fertilisation, the implantation occurs in your uterine lining. Around 21 days after the start of your period, you may be pregnant when fertilisation and implantation occur. You can check for pregnancy a few days after your missed period. If the egg is not fertilised, you may start with your menstrual cycle. Couples who wish to conceive must have unprotected sex 3-4 days before ovulation. When you have sex on your fertile dress, there are more chances of conception. The fertile days or ovulation days differ based on your menstrual cycle.

Book an online appointment with Dr. Jayshree Pathak for Fertility related issues.

Importance of Fallopian Tube in Fertilisation

The fallopian tube is an important part of the reproductive anatomy. It is a channel that links the ovaries and uterus, where the egg develops in the fetus. It collects the mature ovum from the ovaries and serves as a passage for the fertilised ovum to reach the uterus. The fallopian tube plays an important role in the fertilisation process. It is through a fallopian tube the egg travels from the ovary to the uterus. It is a place where the sperm can meet the egg. The fertilised egg also travels through the fallopian tube for implantation in the uterus. It is also a place for fertilising the egg and the sperm. The fallopian tube also provides essential nutrients to the embryo for early development. The embryo development happens in the fallopian tube. Ovulation and egg life span are important in the process of getting pregnant.

Lifetime of Egg in Fallopian Tube

Here are the things that happen to the egg in the fallopian tube. During ovulation, the egg detaches from the follicle and bursts open. Now, the egg enters the fallopian tube with the help of tiny projections called fimbriae. Muscular contractions of the fallopian tube push the egg towards the uterus. Fertilisation may occur when there is a sperm in the fallopian tube. If the egg is not fertilised, it is reabsorbed by the body and the uterine lining is shed through menstruation.

The egg lifespan in the fallopian tube is only 12 to 24 hours. The egg is viable only for only 1 day. It is the time when it gets fertilised when it meets a sperm. The egg survival time after ovulation is only 24 hours. Unfertilised eggs may not survive more than a day.   The fertilised egg may stay in the fallopian tube for 3 to 4 days.

What Happens When the Egg is Not Fertilised?

If no sperm is present in the fallopian tube, the egg will not be fertilised. If the egg is fertilised, it disintegrates into the uterus. If the egg is not fertilised, the uterus lining sheds, and your period starts.

Conclusion

Couples who wish to get pregnant must be aware of the conception process to increase their chances. Tracking the ovulation day is important to getting pregnant. The fallopian tube plays a key role in fertilisation, as it helps transport both the egg and fertilised egg to the uterus. Only after successful fertilisation and implantation do you become pregnant. Tracking ovulation and egg life span is important for conception.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens to the egg if it is not fertilised?

If fertilisation does not occur, the egg dies, and the body reabsorbs it. The uterine lining is also shed, which is known as menstruation.

2. What is the role of the fallopian tube in egg fertilisation?

The fallopian tube plays a key role in egg fertilisation. It helps transport eggs from the ovaries to the uterus, providing a space for the fertilisation of the egg and sperm. It also transports the fertilised egg into the uterus.

3. Can the egg be fertilised if sperm is not in the fallopian tube?

The egg can't be fertilised when there is no sperm in the fallopian tube.

4. What are the signs that an egg has not been fertilised?

Your period is a sign that the egg has not been fertilised. A negative pregnancy test is also a sign of an unfertilised egg.

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