Sperm Storage, Delayed Ovulation, and Menstruation of the Female

Sperm storage by female animals involves the retention of viable spermatozoa within the reproductive tract for prolonged periods (Neubaum and Wolfner 1999, Crichton 2000). Delayed ovulation by female bats means that a species-specific number of specialized vesicular follicles persists throughout hibernation, and ovulation is postponed unt i l spr ing (Oxberry 1979). Menstruation in mammals is associated with damage to the uterine epithelium, interstitium, endothelium, and extracellular matrix (ECM), result ing in controlled bleeding, and tissue dissolution and repair (Bulletti el al. 1998). Although sperm storage by females i