Sperm can live inside the female reproductive system for up to five days under the right conditions, especially around ovulation when cervical mucus helps protect and nourish them. Outside the body, sperm typically die within minutes to an hour on dry surfaces, and they do not survive long in water. Inside the testes, sperm can live for several weeks but are eventually reabsorbed if not ejaculated. Frozen sperm can remain viable indefinitely when stored properly at very low temperatures.
Key Points on Sperm Lifespan
- Inside the female body (vagina, cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes): up to 5 days, depending on cervical mucus and ovulation timing.
- Outside the body on dry surfaces or skin: usually minutes to an hour before dying.
- In water: sperm die quickly within seconds to minutes due to dispersion and chemicals.
- Inside the testes: sperm live several weeks before being reabsorbed if not ejaculated.
- Frozen sperm: can survive indefinitely in cryogenic storage at very low temperatures (-196°C).
This lifespan inside the female reproductive system is why pregnancy can occur even if intercourse happens several days before ovulation. Sperm survival outside these ideal internal conditions is very limited.
