Sperm can live inside the female body for about 3 to 5 days, depending on factors like the menstrual cycle and the presence of sperm-friendly cervical mucus. In the cervix, sperm can sometimes survive up to a week, and there are even rare reports of sperm living longer in the fallopian tubes. Outside the body, sperm generally survive only a few minutes to an hour depending on the environment. Inside the male testes, sperm develop over about 69 to 80 days and can be stored for several weeks if not ejaculated, then are reabsorbed by the body.

Sperm Lifespan Inside the Female Body

• Typically 3 to 5 days.
• Cervical mucus around ovulation protects and nourishes sperm, extending their lifespan.
• Cervical crypts can act as temporary storage for sperm, releasing them gradually.
• This lifespan allows for conception from intercourse several days before ovulation.

Sperm Lifespan Outside the Body

• Sperm die within minutes to an hour depending on exposure to air and dryness.
• Sperm in condoms can survive a few hours.
• On dry surfaces or skin, they survive only minutes.

Sperm Development and Storage in the Male Body

• Sperm take about 69 to 80 days to develop in the testes.
• After development, they can remain stored in the epididymis for about two weeks.
• If not ejaculated, sperm are eventually reabsorbed.

Frozen Sperm

• When frozen and stored properly, sperm can survive for many years with their viability maintained.

This information highlights how sperm survival depends heavily on the environment and conditions within the body or outside it.