The male reproductive system, specifically the testes, is responsible for the production of sperm. This sperm will then be released together with fluid from other reproductive glands in the form of semen during ejaculation.

When sperm are discharged with semen during ejaculation, the journey to the woman's egg starts. The vaginal environment is acidic, which presents a challenge to sperm and can destroy many of them. However, not all sperm die after ejaculation. Find out how long sperm may survive outside after a man ejaculates.

How long does sperm last after ejaculation?

Ejaculation refers to the physiological phenomenon whereby sperm is discharged from the penis of a male. The ejaculation process is very complex and involves the nervous system and muscles that transport sperm from the testicles. Sperm will eventually combine with other bodily secretions before being eliminated via the penis. Sperm can live in different environments for different lengths of time after ejaculation. The following factors affect sperm survival outside of the body:

Dry environment

Sperm often dies within a few minutes of contact with dry surfaces such as cloth, skin, bed sheets, pillows, or other things. However, in extremely rare cases, sperm may be able to survive for up to 30 minutes on a cold, dry surface while having a poor fertility rate. Sperm dehydrate and lose viability when exposed to dry conditions and air exposure.

Water or another liquid

Sperm can survive for a short period of time in water, such as a bathtub or swimming pool, before dying. Water conditions typically fail to support sperm survival for an extended period of time due to temperature, chlorine content, and pH imbalances. 

High water temperatures may damage sperm shape and function, causing them to die prematurely. Chemicals in water, such as chlorine, may also affect sperm viability, stopping them from surviving for long.

Wet environment

Sperm can survive longer in wet conditions, like cervical mucus. Sperm can survive for up to 5 days in the ideal environment because this habitat supplies nutrients and conditions which support sperm longevity.

Sperm survival in the vagina is primarily due to the protection that cervical mucus and cervical crypts provide. During the fertile period, cervical mucus thins and becomes more elastic, making it easier for sperm to pass through. This mucus also offers the nutrients required to keep sperm viable. Meanwhile, cervical crypt tissue can help store and protect sperm, allowing it to live longer in a woman's body.

Extending the life of sperm through sperm freezing technology

Because sperm do not survive long after ejaculation, sperm freezing procedures can help extend sperm life. Cryopreservation is a method that allows men to keep and freeze their sperm for an extended period of time.

Sperm freezing allows men to maintain their chances of having biological children in the future, particularly if they are dealing with diseases or events that may affect fertility.

Looking want further information about sperm freezing? You should consult with a fertility and reproductive health specialist. If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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