Male fertility is as important as female fertility when it comes to conception. A question of prime importance to couples who are trying to conceive is: how long do sperm survive inside a woman’s body? This can be good to know to better time, increasing chances of pregnancy and fertility treatments. At The Bliss Care, we educate couples about sperm survival and biology, and factors that affect fertility, so that we can optimise their conception strategies.
Sperm Life: Ejaculation to Fertilisation
Sperm are microscopic cells that fertilise an egg. Once ejaculated into the female reproductive tract, their journey begins. Survival time is very dependent upon the environment in which the sperm are put.
- In the vagina, the sperm experience an acidic environment, which can reduce the time for survival to a few hours.
- In the cervical mucus, especially at the time of ovulation, the sperm are provided with a protective medium rich with nutrients. Here, they can survive a maximum of 5 days.
- In the uterus and fallopian tubes, the sperm can continue their journey to the egg, sometimes living for 2 – 5 days, waiting for ovulation for possible fertilisation.
This survival window is the reason that you can be pregnant even if you have sex several days before you ovulate.
Factors that Influence Sperm Survival
Several factors affect the length of time the sperm can live and be fertile inside the woman:
- Cervical Mucus Quality: During or around ovulation, the cervical mucus becomes clear, stretchy, and alkaline; an environment to provide nourishment to sperm. Outside of this fertile window, thicker or hostile mucus decreases sperm longevity.
- Sperm Morphology (shape), motility (movement), and sperm count are all survival factors. Healthy sperm are able to swim well and have more chances of reaching the egg.
- Female Reproductive Tract Conditions: the pH balance, infections, or anatomical irregularities may impact the survival of sperm.
Sperm Survival during Assisted Reproduction
For couples that have fertility problems, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) or IVF overcome some of the natural obstacles to the survival of spermatozoa:
- In this procedure (IUI), washed healthy sperm are inserted directly into the uterus, thereby increasing the chances of survival and fertilization.
- IVF requires fertilisation of eggs in the laboratory, which eliminates the uncertainty of the lifespan of sperm in the female body.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) is used when the quality of sperm is poor; one sperm is injected into the egg.
Tips to Increase Sperm Longevity Naturally
- Couples who are conceiving naturally can make a few lifestyle changes that will increase sperm survival.
- Consume antioxidant-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, nuts) to protect sperm from oxidative stress.
- Also, there is a need to avoid exposure to excessive heat (hot baths, saunas, tight clothing) that can affect sperm production.
- Minimise smoking, alcohol, and stress, which hurt sperm count and motility.
- A healthy weight and regular exercise routine will help to optimise hormonal balance.
Suggest to Read :- What precautions do you need after an IUI procedure?
Conclusion
Sperm survival within the body of a woman is a crucial aspect of conception. Conception naturally can be successful if the fertile window, sperm health, and reproductive environment are understood. At The Bliss Care, we use a combination of medical expertise, fertility assessments, and personalised guidance to help couples time conception perfectly, along with assisted reproductive options if required. Knowledge, time, and support can help make the dream of parenthood a reality.