Conception, also known as fertilization, fecundation and impregnation, involves the fusion of an ovum with a sperm. In case of fertilization, the ovum travels towards uterus and starts to split. Finally, the fertilized egg (zygote) implants in the endometrial lining of the uterus (nidation) and pregnancy begins. [1]

Myth
For a long time, the exact mechanism of conception and inheritance had been unknown. Popular belief was that pregnancy could be traced back to the solar and lunar effect, or food. In this belief system, men or intercourse played no role for the conception of a child. [2]

In antiquity, the Roman historian Gaius Plinius Secundus (23-79 AD) described menstrual blood as dough or field and the male sperm as yeast or seed responsible for the rise and shape of the dough or field. [3] [4] [HISTORY OF MENSTRUATION]

The Dutch physicist Nicolaas Hartsoeker (1656-1725) invented the microscope which enabled him to observe moving sperm. He concluded that those gametes already contained a small being (homunculus). A woman was mainly responsible for nurturing and letting it grow to its full size until she could give birth to a ready child. [3] [5]

Some indigenous peoples in the Amazon rainforest still believe that it is better when several men father a child because then their skills are combined in the child. [6] [7]

In Christianity, the immaculate conception of Virgin Mary plays an important role. She fulfills a great paradox by being a virtuous virgin on the one hand and a tender mother on the other hand. [8] [9] [10]

Today, conception without intercourse is made possible by modern reproductive medicine but is still an exception.
[IN VITRO FERTILIZATION]