Sperm can survive inside a woman's body for about 3 to 5 days, and under ideal conditions, they may live up to 7 days. The lifespan depends heavily on the conditions in the female reproductive tract, especially the presence of fertile cervical mucus around ovulation that protects and nourishes sperm. Outside this fertile window, sperm generally survive for shorter periods, often only a few hours to a day.
Key Details on Sperm Lifespan in a Woman's Body
- Typical survival time: 3 to 5 days.
- Maximum survival time in ideal conditions: up to 7 days.
- Fertile window impact: Around ovulation, cervical mucus becomes thinner and more supportive, allowing sperm to live longer.
- Outside fertile window: Sperm survival is reduced due to less favorable conditions such as thicker mucus or acidity.
- Location: Sperm travel from the vagina through the cervix to the uterus and fallopian tubes, with the cervical mucus and "crypts" in the cervix playing roles in protecting and storing sperm temporarily.
This ability of sperm to survive several days in the female reproductive tract explains why pregnancy can occur even when intercourse happens days before ovulation.
