How Many Days Sperm Live in Female Body

When it comes to fertility, couples come up with certain questions. The questions may include: How many days sperm live in female body? Does the lifespan of healthy and unhealthy sperm differ? Do food habits influence sperm quality and more?

This blog could be the one that answers all your questions. Keep reading to know what fertility experts say about the sperm’s survival after ejaculation.

Lifespan of Sperm in Different Conditions

Like the quality of an egg, the quality of sperm also plays a key role in achieving successful conception. Many experts in fertility claim that the lifespan of sperm is simply reliant on its quality. A good healthy sperm can survive when ejaculated inside the female body for up to three to seven days. The longer it survives inside the female body, the greater the chances of being fertilised with the egg. Hence, the chances of achieving pregnancy are also increased.

Listed below are some of the different conditions where sperm survival may change post-ejaculation.

Inside the Female Body

• In the uterus and fallopian tubes
  Sperm can live in the uterus and fallopian tubes anywhere between three and seven days. This is because cervical mucus within the reproductive tract creates a favourable condition for the sperm to extend its lifespan and motility. This special kind of cervical mucus is produced by the cervix around the period of ovulation. This aids in extending the longevity of the sperm inside the uterus and fallopian tubes.
• In the cervix
  The cervical crypts inside the cervix act as a temporary storage chamber for the sperm. This may significantly help with protecting the sperm from an unfavourable uterine environment. These crypts filter out unhealthy sperm and protect only the healthy ones. The process of retaining the healthy sperm may potentially extend its longevity by releasing them gradually for up to five days.
• In the vagina
  The survival of the sperm inside the vagina is largely dependent on its pH level. The ideal pH level for sperm to extend its longevity in the vagina is a little alkaline. The range may differ between 7.0 and 8.5. While a more acidic condition (below pH 6.0) may generally damage the sperm and negatively impact its viability and motility.
  The lifespan of the sperm may differ anywhere from around two to three days under the pH levels of 7.0 - 8.5. Whereas the lifespan of sperm in a more acidic condition may rapidly immobilize and kill the sperm.

Dry surfaces (clothing, bedding, etc.)

Sperm generally requires a wet and moist environment to extend its survival. The exposure of sperm the dry surfaces like clothing and bedding can make them die within minutes to a few hours of ejaculation. Its lifespan is significantly reduced when they are exposed to unfavourable conditions like air and heat.

Moist, warm surfaces (skin, hot tubs)

Even in moist and warm surfaces like the skin and hot tubs, the lifespan of sperm is primarily reduced. This is because of its exposure to the air. The lack of nutrients and protection provided by the seminal fluid makes the sperm immobilize and die shortly after the ejaculation.

In water (pools, baths)

Sperm can survive only for a few minutes inside the water, especially inside the warm water. This is because of the presence of chemicals like soap and chlorine. The lack of nutrients and protection provided by the seminal fluid makes the sperm immobilize and die shortly after ejaculation in the pool or bathtubs.

In a condom

Sperm inside a condom can usually live for a few hours. However, its lifespan may be significantly dependent on certain factors. The factors may include the presence of spermicide in the condom, temperature, and durability of the condom. All of which play a significant role in extending the lifespan of sperm.

Cryo storage (frozen)

Sperm can be preserved under optimal conditions to extend its lifespan for decades, potentially indefinite years. The cryopreservation is done by freezing the sperm. When done, it can remain viable for indefinite years. Many couples use the method to plan for their future pregnancies with the help of fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Factors Influencing the Lifespan of Sperm

• Medical conditions
  Medical conditions like hormone imbalances, diabetes, genetic disorders, infections, and even cancer treatments can negatively impact sperm health. These treatments and illnesses may also hinder the production of sperm and its quality. They may also interrupt the sperm’s motility (movement) to reach the egg and make it fertilized.
• Age
  Like women, men over 40 may significantly experience a decline in sperm quality, leading to compromised motility, count, and DNA integrity. As a result, it exhibits delayed conception and a slightly increased risk of genetic issues in the offspring.
• Smoking and alcohol
  Studies show that the continuous habit of smoking and drinking can negatively impact sperm production and its quality. Smoking can compromise sperm motility (movement), and count, potentially causing DNA damage. Likewise, drinking can also interrupt sperm production, and its morphology (shape and structure). Both substances play a key role in disrupting hormonal balance and minimizing semen volume, which potentially leads to male infertility.
• Obesity
  Being overweight or obese can negatively affect sperm production, impacting its count, motility, morphology, and DNA damage. All of which can delay conception or lead to male infertility.
• Poor Diet
  Poor dietary habits of a man can largely affect his sperm health, impacting sperm production and its function. Whereas, a well-balanced diet along with a healthy lifestyle can certainly improve sperm health and its quality.
• Heat exposure
  Exposure to heat (high temperatures) can result in compromised sperm health. It can also lead to DNA damage, abnormal sperm morphology, motility, and oxidative stress. All of which can delay conception or lead to male infertility.
• Environmental toxins
  Exposure to environmental toxins like plastics, heavy metals, and pesticides can affect sperm health. These may significantly interrupt sperm production and its function, impacting male infertility.

Optimal Time to Achieve Conception

If you are planning for conception, you can consider having unprotected intercourse during the below-mentioned phases.

Fertility Window

The fertility window is considered the ideal time to achieve conception. It is understood that sperm can live in the female body for up to three to seven days. Whereas, the egg can survive only for one day (12 to 24 hours) after being released from the ovary (ovulation). So, if you have had unprotected intercourse a few days before the ovulation period, there are increased possibilities for the sperm to meet with an egg. Hence, the days preceding ovulation, the day of ovulation and one day after ovulation are known as the fertile window.

Ovulation Period

The ovulation period is widely considered the most optimal time to achieve conception. This is because studies show that it’s when the released eggs are most viable to get fertilized with the sperm. While the sperm can survive for a few days in the female reproductive tract, eggs can survive only for a limited period (12 – 24 hours). Hence, if you plan to have unprotected intercourse around this time, there are increased chances to achieve a successful conception.

Summary

The lifespan of sperm is certainly dependent on where it has been ejaculated. Understanding such factors can significantly help with enhancing your fertility journey. You can visit the A4 Fertility Centre to learn more about such fascinating fertility-related health.

If you still have any concerns, having a consultation with experts at Aval Clinics is recommended. They can guide you.

Contact us today for expert advice and personalized care:

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