How much sperm live.
How much sperm live? This question is asked by many people, especially couples trying to conceive a child. Knowing their reproductive organs, as well as terms such as “sperm” and “egg”, is very important.
What are sperm and how they form?
Spermatozoa are male gametes that reach a female egg and allow it to be fertilized. They are formed in the process of spermatogenesis in the seeds of testicles and consist of head and neck – have a length of about 60 μm.
Throughout his life, a man is able to produce trillions of these microscopic germ cells – even during one ejaculation, several hundred million spermatozoa can be released. However, only one of them will reach the egg – with the help of a special enzyme, it will dissolve the protective shell and penetrate inside, without allowing it to do this to its competitors.
The entire cycle of spermatogenesis takes about 74 days, and the development of sperm is divided into several stages. First, the head develops, after which the cage goes into the ducts of the appendage of the testicle, where it acquires its properties. It takes about 21 days for fertilization of sperm, but it is worth noting that not everyone will get to “complete the task”. Moreover, it happens that none of the male gametes released during ejaculation leads to fertilization. Much depends on the quality and mobility of sperm, as well as the environment into which it will fall.
The process of spermatogenesis itself begins in boys aged 12-13 years and continues until the end of the man’s life. It is regulated by hormones in a hypothalamus, pituitary gland and, of course, testicles, and testosterone plays a crucial role in this issue.
The quality of male sperm is affected by many factors, including:
- physical health;
- Food habits;
- stimulants such as alcohol and cigarettes;
- physical activity;
- hormonal balance;
- stress
How much sperm in the vagina live?
The life of a sperm is not very long – even if it does not ejaculate for some time, it loses its vitality and disappears. How much sperm lives in the vagina? Much depends on what environment it will fall into – the longest it will survive at the right points of the ovulatory cycle. Usually we are talking about 72 hours, although the most powerful cells are able to survive even 5-7 days.
The lifestyle of spermatozoa is primarily affected by the quantity and quality of a woman’s cervical mucus – during ovulation it is slippery and sparse, so male gametes can move without problems and quickly reach the destination. It is this mucus that protects sperm from the acidic environment of the vagina, and also gives the nutrients necessary for its survival.
As a rule, the female reproductive tract is the second best place to survive these reproductive cells after the male body. Unfortunately, only on a woman’s fertile days – except for them, mucus is thick and sticky, which significantly reduces the life of sperm and prevents them from getting to the egg. Of course, sometimes stronger representatives are found, who, despite such hardships, are able to survive and go all the way to the destination. However, this happens relatively rarely.
How much sperm live on a penis?
This is often a very important question for young users of contraceptives who want to avoid pregnancy. Usually they are worried that if the penis comes in touch with the vagina again a few hours or several tens of hours after sexual intercourse, it can fertilize. As it turned out – in 99% of cases this is impossible, since spermatozoa needs appropriate conditions for life. If they do not provide a warm moist environment with an alkaline pH, they will quickly die. How much sperm live on a penis? Usually few hours, And the strongest cells – one day.
However, it is worth noting that sperm on the penis lasts longer than on clothes, bedding or skin.
How much spermatozoa live outside the body?
As mentioned earlier – Usually a few hours, Although this time under favorable conditions (high temperature and appropriate humidity) may be slightly extended. Of course, the chances of fertilization after contact with sperm, not directly delivered to the vagina, are low (or even minimal). However, if you want to avoid pregnancy, you must be vigilant and take all precautions.
How much sperm in water live in water?
In this case, much depends on the temperature. Optimal – 37 degrees and in such an environment a sperm can live A few dozen hours. However, when the water is colder or warmer and full of detergents, the life expectancy of sperm is usually reduced to several hours (unless they die immediately after placing in an unfavorable environment).
How quickly the sperm reaches the egg?
The average life expectancy under favorable vaginal conditions (72 hours) is sufficient to achieve a female cell. Usually they have to overcome a distance of about 15 centimeters – in the case of a fertile mucus in the sexual routes of a woman, it is possible to overcome such a distance even in half an hour.
For fertilization, it is necessary to comply with several conditions:
- Firstly, both female and male reproductive cells should be correctly developed.
- Secondly, the vaginal environment should be favorable (the days of ovulation, when cervical mucus has the best properties).
- Thirdly, the sperm should be strong and mobile, which mainly affects the health of the man.
How much sperm live? It all depends on the person and factors of the external environment.
As you know, the most powerful sperm can survive in a suitable environment up to several days. However, there are factors that reduce their lives. The viability of male gametes primarily affects the state of health of a man and the number of hormones produced by the body (especially testosterone, FSH and LH). Their development is negatively affected by obesity, lack of physical activity and, of course, improper nutrition.
Therefore, if you want your genetic material to be the best quality, take care of your health and change some habits, especially the habit of food. Refuse alcohol and smoking, refuse harmful food, start playing sports, and when attempts to start a child will not bring the desired results for a long time, contact a specialist.