Lifespan of Sperm Cells

• The typical lifespan of sperm cells inside the male body is about 74 days. During that lifespan, it generally takes two to three months for the sperm to mature to its tadpole-like form with a head, tail and an end piece. Once fully matured, the sperm wait to be ejaculated. If they are not released when matured, the sperm die and are reabsorbed by the male body.
  
  

Lifespan of Sperm Inside the Female Body

• Once the sperm are ejaculated by a male through the seminal fluid into a female body, its lifespan is entirely dependent on the female's environment and the amount of sperm present. Such factors that determine the cells' longevity include the strength and quantity of sperm, vagina body temperature, vagina pH levels, the quality of cervical mucus, the mobility of the sperm and even the white blood cell presence in the vagina.
  
  In the most ideal conditions and environment, sperm can live up to seven days inside the female body. Generally, however, the cells are only able to live between three and five days.
  
  

Health of Sperm and Female Environment

• The ideal environmental conditions also assume strong, healthy sperm cells and high sperm counts. The journey for sperm cells from the vagina to the uterus of a female where fertilization can take place requires much mobility. This part of the process must happen within the first two to six hours of entering the female body in order for the cells to continue to live. Those cells that cannot make the journey typically die shortly after the initial few hours as the acids within the vagina break the cells down fairly quickly.
  
  Such a journey is often helped by cervical mucus, which increases the longevity of present sperm. This fluid thins and peaks in presence shortly before a female ovulates each month.
  
  

Increasing chances of fertility

• To increase the odds of sperm cells fertilizing the female egg, there are a few things both the male and female can do to increase sperm health and quantity for the former and interior environment for the latter.
  
  Such behaviors include: consuming more zinc, calcium and vitamin D; abstaining from alcohol consumption, cigarettes and unnecessary medications; staying active; limiting consumption of caffeinated beverages and food; keeping testicle area cool and not overheated; learning more about your ovulation cycle; or seeing your doctor for more assistance.
  
  

Considerations

• If you are attempting to get pregnant, be sure to talk to your doctor about the health of yourself and your partner and any other considerations that should be made prior to having unprotected sex. Knowledge of your ovulation cycle and timing for optimum results can be a key factor in fertilization.
  
  If you think you may have accidentally come into contact with live sperm cells or seminal fluid, or had unprotected sex and may be pregnant, contact your doctor.