Sperm’s entire purpose is to fertilize an egg and create a baby, but certain drugs can affect sperm volume. Sperm are happiest inside the human body — either the one that created them or the one they’re trying to get to.
Outside the body, sperm are vulnerable and die quickly. So, what kills sperm outside the body?
This article will discuss the environmental conditions and other factors that dramatically reduce sperm’s chances of survival outside the body and explain why sperm can’t live long in the open air.
The Fragile Existence: Sperm Lifespan Outside the Body
Sperm are pretty tough inside the body, but when they’re out in the open, they don’t last long.
Time is of the Essence
Sperm survival is significantly limited outside the body. Under the right conditions, sperm can live outside the body for just 15 to 30 minutes.
Once sperm are exposed to air and temperature changes, they rapidly lose their ability to swim and fertilize an egg.
Environmental Factors
Sperm are also very sensitive to temperature. Heat is especially harmful to them.
Sperm thrive in environments that are slightly alkaline. Acidic conditions can kill them quickly.
Water: A hostile environment for sperm
Sperm are fragile outside of the body, and water, in almost any form, is deadly.
- Distilled Water: Because distilled water is hypotonic, sperm cells will absorb the water and burst open from the pressure. Think of it like overfilling a water balloon.
- Tap Water: Tap water contains chlorine and other chemicals that kill sperm. Impurities and pH imbalances can also contribute to their demise.
- Pool/Bath Water: Chlorinated pool water is lethal. Even bath water, without chlorine, often contains soaps and oils that are harmful to sperm.
Skin Contact: A Risky Encounter
Sperm don’t survive long on skin. Here’s why:
- Skin’s Acidity: Skin has a slightly acidic pH, which isn’t a friendly environment for sperm.
- Drying Out: Sperm dry out quickly on the skin’s surface, which makes them immobile. They need a moist environment to swim.
- Residues: Soaps, lotions, and even laundry detergent residue on clothing can contain chemicals that kill sperm.
So, while sperm can survive outside the body for a short period, bare skin isn’t a hospitable place for them.
Factors Influencing Sperm Lifespan
Several factors influence how long sperm can survive, both inside and outside the body.
Vaginal pH
The vagina has a naturally acidic environment that’s hostile to sperm, except when a person is fertile. Without the protection of semen, sperm can only survive in the vagina for a limited time.
Cervical Mucus
Cervical mucus plays a crucial role in sperm survival inside the body. It helps protect and nourish sperm as they travel toward the egg.
Outside the body, sperm don’t have this protective mucus and are much more vulnerable to environmental factors.
Sperm Health
The initial health and motility (movement) of sperm also influence how long they can survive, even when conditions aren’t ideal. Healthy sperm have a better chance of surviving, even in unfavorable conditions.
Sperm Survival: Inside vs. Outside the Body
Sperm fare much better inside the female reproductive tract than out in the open.
- Inside the Female Reproductive System: Sperm can survive for up to five days, thanks to the nourishing cervical mucus and the hospitable environment of the fallopian tubes. Think of it as a sperm spa.
- Outside the Body: The outside world is a harsh mistress. Without the protective environment of the female reproductive tract, temperature changes, pH imbalances, and simple dehydration quickly lead to sperm’s demise.
How to Improve Sperm Health
While external factors can kill sperm, you can take steps to improve their overall health and viability; some research is even exploring if semaglutide can improve male fertility. These changes will help your sperm live longer, whether inside or outside the body.
- Lifestyle Changes: Stop smoking, cut back on alcohol, and eat a healthy diet. Also, try to avoid toxins such as lead, pesticides, and pollutants in your environment.
- Temperature Regulation: Keep things cool down there. Avoid hot baths and tight underwear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How deep should sperm go inside to get pregnant?
Sperm needs to reach the egg in the fallopian tube to achieve fertilization, which means it needs to make its way through the cervix, uterus, and up into the fallopian tubes. While there’s no magic number for depth, sperm deposited closer to the cervix has a better chance of reaching its destination.
What are the first signs when sperm meets with an egg?
Unfortunately, there are no immediate, noticeable signs the moment sperm fertilizes an egg. The process is microscopic! Implantation, when the fertilized egg attaches to the uterine lining, happens several days later, and even then, you wouldn’t feel anything specific. Early pregnancy symptoms usually appear a few weeks after fertilization.
What infection can stop a woman from getting pregnant?
Several infections can hinder pregnancy. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), often caused by untreated STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can damage the fallopian tubes, leading to infertility. Other infections, like endometriosis, can also interfere with fertility.
How do you get sperm out of your system?
Sperm is naturally expelled from the body through ejaculation, including during sleep; understanding what constitutes a normal amount released during nightfall is important. If you’re asking about removing sperm after intercourse, douching is not recommended as a method of contraception or hygiene. It can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of infection.
What is the biggest killer of sperm?
Outside the body, the biggest “killers” of sperm are dryness, temperature changes, and acidity. Sperm thrives in a warm, moist, and slightly alkaline environment. When exposed to air, they quickly dehydrate and die. Extremes of temperature, both hot and cold, are also detrimental, as are acidic conditions.
Conclusion
Sperm are fragile outside the body. They’re vulnerable to temperature, pH, and dehydration. If you’re trying to conceive, it’s important to understand these factors. If you’re trying not to conceive, it’s also important to understand them.
The more you know about how sperm survive — and don’t survive — outside the body, the better you can make informed and responsible choices about your reproductive health.