Important question, all answers appreciated!

[rebelgirl0132]

I was wondering, how long can sperm survive in your body, till they fertilize your egg. I know that you can get pregnant anytime of the month, but if you are not ovulating, how long can sperm wait for your egg to be released?

[Josh G.]

Sperm stays alive inside the vagina for 5 days.

[RayKay]

Sperm stays alive inside the vagina for 5 days.

 

Not quite true, but close. Sperm stay alive in the uterus/fallopian tube for anywhere from 2-7 days (though the 7 is a stretch).

 

The vagina is a hostile environment for sperm and they don't live that long in there, but once they get past the cervix, and up through the fallopian tubes they love to hang out waiting for that egg to be released! Since the egg only lives 24 hours, it is actually best when trying to get pregnant you do have those sperm waiting there to fertilize as soon as the egg is released to seize the window of opportunity.

[avman]

Most of the sperm have died in 48 hours, but a few can stick around longer like RayKay has said.