How Long Can Sperm Live Inside the Vagina After Intercourse?

The Lifespan of a Sperm inside Vagina

A healthy sperm can live from a couple of hours to as long as five days after intercourse. The lifespan of the sperm inside the vagina depends entirely on the environment they are in. The specificities of the woman’s uterus, vagina, and fallopian tubes determine the lifespan of the sperm.

Having a fertile cervical fluid will increase the survival rates of the sperm inside the vagina. The vaginal canal in women is acidic in nature and only the healthiest of sperm will survive the first 12 hours. Each time a man ejaculates, around 100 million sperm is released through his semen. Only a few sperms will survive the tough trip through the vagina and into the fallopian tubes. The ones who reach the cervical fluid can safely survive, move towards the fallopian tubes and await the arrival of the egg from the ovaries for about five days.

How Long Does Sperm Live?

The life of the sperm depends on where it is located. On a dry surface like clothing, sperm dies out once the semen is dry on the surface. However, in a warm moist surface like a hot tub, they will live longer as sperm thrives in warm and wet places. Inside a woman’s body, they can live for up to five days. Only the healthiest sperm among the ones that completes the trip will be able to successfully enter into the egg through the thick protective layer of the egg and fertilize it.

How Can You Increase Sperm Health?

Listed below are a few things you can do it improve sperm health

• Quit smoking
• Stop using anabolic steroids
• Avoid contact with pesticides
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Eat a healthy diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Wear boxers instead of briefs and avoid tight pants to help keep the scrotum cool.

If you can’t conceive even after unprotected sex for a year, it is better to consult a doctor.