How longspermcan live outside of the body that has produced them depends on several factors.
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Typical Sperm Lifespan
Healthy adult testicles (testes) continuously producesperm.
On average, it takes 74 days for sperm to mature fully.
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If the sperm are not used once they are fully mature, the body will reabsorb them.
After Ejaculation
How long sperm can live after ejaculation will vary.
Many people have misconceptions about how to becomepregnant.
Talking to a healthcare provider to answer specific questions is always best.
Contributing Factors
Many factors can contribute to the lifespan of sperm.
Once sperm leaves the body, it must remain moist and warm to stay alive.
Below are details of the likelihood ofpregnancyfrom vaginal intercourse orartificial insemination.
A female is typicallyfertilebetween days 11 and 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle; this is when ovulation occurs.
The success of IUI varies greatly among users.
Semen Analysis
About half of fertility issues are related to sperm.
If a male’s fertility needs to be assessed, a healthcare provider may order a semen analysis.
It is used to measure the quality and count of sperm to determine fertility.
When Do Sperm Die?
Sperm cannot survive in certain conditions.
Ovulation typically occurs between days 11 and 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle.
MedlinePlus.Pregnancy - identifying fertile days.
Beacon Health System.Sperm: how long do they live after ejaculation?
University of North Carolina School of Medicine.Vasectomy.
University of California San Francisco Center for Reproductive Health.Conception: how it works.
National Health Services.Low sperm count.
National Health Services.Trying to get pregnant.
Penn Medicine.Intrauterine insemination (IUI).
2022;306(5):1777-1786. doi:10.1007/s00404-022-06758-z
MedlinePlus.Semen analysis.
