Both the sperm from the male and the ova from the female have a finite existence. They have to meet and fuse quite quickly after being released in order to turn into a fertilized embryo. So how long exactly do they live?
The life span of the ovum
Each cycle in which a woman ovulates, she releases one mature egg (sometimes she can release more than one, but that isn’t very common). This egg must then be fertilized by a healthy sperm cell within 24 hours of rupturing from the follicle. If this does not happen, it will die as it travels through the fallopian tubes and into the uterus. It will then be eliminated from the body along with the thickened endometrium.
The life span of sperm
Once manufactured, a sperm cell can stay indefinitely inside the scrotum. However, after semen is ejaculated out of the penis, it has a very definite expiration time.
Outside of the human body, sperm cannot live for very long. Once it comes into contact with the air, a sperm cell will only live for about two minutes. It needs a warm, moist, protected environment in order to continue swimming. If ejaculated into a condom or a fabric (bedding, linen or towel, for example), semen can last a couple of hours if the conditions are right. If you need to provide a doctor with a sample, the ejaculated sperm will last about six hours in a sealed medical container.
Inside the human body is a different story. Sperm that is ejaculated into a woman’s vagina can live for up to 72 hours. The cervix and uterus are the ideal home for sperm cells to thrive in, especially if the woman is in her fertile period. At this time, her body is secreting a clear, elastic cervical mucus that nourishes, protects and facilitates the movement of sperm up into the uterus and towards the waiting egg.
Factors that influence how long sperm lives
Condition of the uterus and vagina
When in her fertile period, a woman’s body is the optimum place for sperm to thrive. It can last up to 72 hours, or 3 full days. However, the average survival period is actually closer to 36 hours inside the woman’s uterus.
Outside of this period, the environment in the uterus is not as accommodating for semen. Additionally, if the woman’s body is acidic, it can actually kill off the sperm cells the moment they enter the vagina.
The man’s health
Men who are smokers, heavy drinkers or use drugs will have much weaker sperm that has a shorter life span the average. It’s best to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet in order to keep your sperm count high and active.
Intake of good vitamins
A poor diet can very easily effect the life span of a man’s sperm. Vitamin B and folic acid are essential for healthy, lively sperm.
IMPORTANT: Even though sperm dies very quickly when it comes into contact with air, it’s still possible to fall pregnant without having penetrating sexual intercourse. If the sperm is ejaculated outside of the woman’s body and then inserted into the vagina via a finger or another object, conception is possible.
Ways you can extend the life of sperm
Both the man and the woman can make changes to improve the life span of his sperm. By eating the right diet, both of them will give his sperm the best chance possible to reach the waiting ovum and fertilize it.
Foods such as yams are incredibly high in estrogen and can help a woman conceive. They work by increasing the cervical mucus that is produced in her fertile period. This makes the vagina more welcoming to sperm and allows it to live longer.
You can also try using lubricants when having sexual intercourse. There are several that are designed to aid in conception by adding to the cervical mucus that is already there.
The man should also not wear briefs or tight pants while you are trying to conceive. These restrict the scrotum, which can lower his sperm count.
If you are concerned that your partner’s sperm count isn’t high enough or that they aren’t living long enough for you to conceive, consult your doctor. They can run tests to evaluate the quality, quantity and motility of the sperm.
Readers’ questions:
Can I get pregnant from having anal sex?
The anus and the vagina are not connected internally. Therefore, if ejaculation happens inside the anus, there is little to no risk of getting pregnant. However, if there is still semen on the penis and vaginal intercourse occurs straight after ejaculation, there is a chance you could fall pregnant.
If ejaculation occurred outside of the anus, there is the possibility that you could conceive if the semen runs past the opening of the vagina. However, it is unlikely.
If ejaculation happened outside of the vagina but a finger was then inserted into the vagina after touching the semen, can I fall pregnant?
Yes, there is definitely a risk that you could conceive in this instance. However, for this to happen, the finger needs to have touched the semen straight after ejaculation
and then been inserted into the vagina immediately. Sperm can only survive for two minutes outside of the body, so it has to happen quickly.