Sperm can last inside the male body (testes) for about 2.5 to 3 months during their development. Once inside the female body, sperm can live for up to 5 days, especially in the favorable environment of cervical mucus around ovulation. Outside the body, sperm typically survive only a few minutes to an hour on dry surfaces. Frozen sperm can be stored for many years under the right conditions.
Sperm lifespan inside the male body
- Sperm take around 69 to 80 days to develop in the testes.
- They can remain in the testes for a few weeks after development before being ejaculated.
- If not ejaculated, sperm die and are reabsorbed by the body after this period.
Sperm lifespan inside the female body
- Sperm can survive up to 5 days in the female reproductive tract under the protection of cervical mucus and cervical crypts.
- The conditions during ovulation create an environment that prolongs sperm survival, increasing chances of fertilization.
- This explains why conception can occur even with intercourse a few days before ovulation.
Sperm lifespan outside the body
- Sperm die quickly outside of the body, usually within minutes to an hour on dry surfaces.
- Moist and warm environments on skin or in fluids may allow slightly longer survival.
- Sperm cannot survive well in water, especially if chemicals are present.
Frozen sperm lifespan
- When frozen properly in laboratories, sperm can survive for many years or even decades.
- Freezing is done at very low temperatures (about -196°C) and can preserve sperm indefinitely for later use in fertility treatments.
In summary, sperm last about 2.5 to 3 months inside the male body, up to 5 days inside the female body, and only minutes to hours outside the body, unless frozen for long-term preservation.
