Answer the question! How many days can sperm survive in the body after intercourse?

Sperm is the male reproductive cell that we can’t see with the naked eye. When a man ejaculates, it’s impossible to know how many sperm there are. Also, it’s uncertain how long the sperm can survive after each ejaculation or how long sperm can live once inside the body.

"Sperm is created from precursor cells inside the male testes, called Spermatogonium. These cells are present from birth, but the process of sperm production begins when a male reaches puberty. The germ cells divide to reduce the chromosome number by half and undergo a transformation from a simple, round shape to a smaller cell with a tail, which aids in swimming towards the egg cell.

However, the sperm created at this stage is not yet capable of fertilization, or in other words, it is still incomplete. These sperm will become fully mature when they are moved and stored in the back part of the testes, called the epididymis, where they are nourished and receive various substances to prepare them for fertilization.

Normally, sperm that is produced can remain in the body for several weeks. However, sperm that is stored for more than 7 days will gradually start to deteriorate, with reduced motility and an increase in the number of dead sperm due to inflammation and DNA fragmentation. Therefore, sperm remains most viable and strong for up to 7 days from the last ejaculation. After that, the sperm will gradually age and eventually die

After ejaculation inside the body, sperm can survive for 48 to 72 hours. This is because when sperm are inside the woman's body, they need time to swim through the cervix to reach the egg cell for fertilization. Additionally, sperm can be produced throughout a man's life, but as he ages, the quality of the sperm naturally deteriorates over time.

Sperm that is produced survives by relying on various secretions created by glands in the male reproductive system, which provide an environment conducive to the sperm’s survival. These secretions also protect and nourish the sperm. However, when semen is ejaculated outside the body and exposed to the external environment, the moisture levels and pH balance of the semen change. Additionally, the sperm undergo combustion with oxygen in the air, causing them to gradually die off and making it impossible for them to survive for more than a few hours.

Each month, several eggs grow in the ovarian follicles, but only one egg will be released from the follicle once it has fully matured. Normally, the process of ovulation occurs about 2 weeks before menstruation.

The process of fertilization is when the egg is released from one of the ovaries, typically once a month, and waits for fertilization by sperm in the fallopian tube. Once fertilization occurs, the egg moves through the fallopian tube to the uterus, where it will implant in the uterine lining and continue to grow as an embryo.

"Sperm freezing is the process of preserving sperm in liquid nitrogen at a very low temperature of -196°C, allowing sperm to be stored for decades. The sperm freezing process begins by taking the collected semen and passing it through a laboratory procedure where it is centrifuged to remove fluids that may contain pathogens, mucus, and dead sperm.

Afterward, the sperm is mixed with a freezing solution containing cryoprotectants, which help protect the sperm from damage during the freezing and thawing processes.

Sperm freezing is suitable for individuals who wish to preserve their sperm for future use, as sperm quality typically declines with age. It is also ideal for those planning to undergo treatments that may affect sperm quality and production, such as radiation therapy. Additionally, it can be an option for individuals who plan to undergo sterilization but want to preserve their sperm in case they change their mind about starting a family in the future.

Sperm is a very sensitive reproductive cell. Outside the body, it can survive for about 1 hour, but inside the body, it can live for 48-72 hours. However, if fertilization does not occur, it will die. For those planning to have children, having intercourse during the ovulation period or a few days before ovulation will increase the chances of pregnancy.

If a couple has been trying to conceive naturally for at least 1 year without success, it is considered infertility, and both men and women should consult a doctor and undergo physical examinations to determine the cause of the infertility.

Any men who wish to consult with a doctor or have their sperm tested can book an appointment or ask preliminary questions via Line: @beyondivf.