Sperm can stay alive and survive in a woman's body, specifically in the female reproductive tract, for about 3 to 5 days, and under optimal conditions, up to 7 days. The cervical mucus around ovulation creates a favorable environment that protects sperm and allows it to live longer, increasing the chance of fertilization during this window.
Key points on sperm survival in a woman's body:
- Sperm typically live 3 to 5 days inside the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes.
- The cervical mucus during a woman's fertile window protects sperm and aids its mobility.
- Outside the body or on dry surfaces, sperm survive only for few minutes.
- Sperm lifespan inside a woman can extend to about a week under exceptional conditions but usually about 5 days.
- This survival period explains why pregnancy can occur even if intercourse happens several days before ovulation.
Thus, sperm longevity in the female reproductive system is primarily about 5 days, potentially up to 7 days, depending on conditions such as timing in the menstrual cycle and cervical mucus quality.
