Sperm can survive inside the uterus and the entire female reproductive tract for up to about 5 days under optimal conditions. The average survival time is typically around 3 days, but sperm may live up to 5 days in sperm-friendly cervical mucus and favorable hormonal environments. This survival window allows conception to occur even if intercourse happens several days before ovulation.

Details on Sperm Survival in the Female Reproductive System

• In the acidic vaginal environment, sperm typically survive only a few hours, but once they pass into the cervix and uterus, survival is extended significantly.
• The cervix filters out less viable sperm and provides cervical crypts which temporarily store sperm, releasing them gradually.
• The uterus facilitates sperm movement towards the fallopian tubes, where sperm may be stored in reservoirs and undergo capacitation (activation necessary for fertilization).
• Fertile cervical mucus around ovulation helps protect sperm and supports their survival for up to 5 days.

This fertile window is critical for conception planning, as sperm viability spans several days inside the female reproductive tract while the egg is viable for about 12-24 hours after ovulation.