How Long Do Sperm Live?

Video Transcript

"Hi. I'm Dr. Carol Clark. I'm a sex therapist and licensed mental health counselor here in Miami, Florida. In this clip, we're going to talk about how long do sperm live. Sperm can live up to three to five days after ejaculation, if they're ejaculated into the vagina. There they can reside in the mucus around the cervix for three to five days while they're waiting for the egg to come along. They can make their way up through the uterus and into the fallopian tubes and fertilize the egg three to five days after sex. Outside of the vagina or any warm, moist place, they're not going to live as long. They'll only live for a few hours, maybe even a few minutes. However, remember if it's a warm, moist place; like in the folds of the labia; the sperm will live longer. And some of those hearty boys will be able to swim up through the vagina and into the uterus and fertilize an egg. Once again, this is Dr. Carol Clark from Miami, Florida."