• Question: How long does a sperm stay alive in the external environment if released

    Asked by YVEE to Ivy, Daniel, Christina, Cheryl on 25 Jan 2017.
    • Photo: Christina Obiero

      Christina Obiero answered on 25 Jan 2017:


      Hi Yvee!
      First and foremost, sperms are released within the seminal fluid which needs to be in the right volume (1.5 to 5 mL) and pH (7.05-7.8) and contain optimal nutrients (fructose), enzymes, proteins and other substances necessary for survival of sperms.
      If released within the body of a female, sperms can stay alive for up to 3 – 5 days. This means that if released before a woman ovulates, the sperms can still fertilize the ova if ovulation occurs up to 5 days from the time of intercourse.
      If sperms are released in other environments e.g. on a dry surface, their survival period is shorter.

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