Sperm can live inside the female reproductive system for up to five days under optimal conditions. This is because the cervical mucus around ovulation provides a protective environment that helps sperm survive and travel to the fallopian tubes where fertilization can occur
. Inside the male body, sperm are produced continuously and can live in the testes for several weeks before being ejaculated. If not ejaculated, sperm cells eventually die and are reabsorbed by the body after about 2.5 months
. Outside the body, sperm survival is much shorter. On warm, moist surfaces like skin or in a hot tub, sperm may live up to 15 to 30 minutes, but on dry surfaces, they die as soon as they dry out
. In summary:
- Inside female reproductive tract: up to 5 days
- Inside male testes: several weeks to about 2.5 months before reabsorption
- Outside the body on warm/moist surfaces: up to 30 minutes
- Outside the body on dry surfaces: minutes or less
This lifespan inside the female body explains why pregnancy can occur even if intercourse happens several days before ovulation
