How Long...

[Tina]

How long can/does the sperm live up to?

I've heard some sources say only 72 hours, and I've heard others say up to 6 days. :shrug:

[strongchick]

Well, female sperm live longer. But around 3 days.

[Tina]

See I'll take the scientists word for it. But then why do some say they can live up to 6 even 7 days?

[futureNICUnurse]

It really depends on a number of factors, including the health of the man and also the pH of the cervical mucus. There have been cases where the sperm lived as long as 6-7 days, and some live only a few hours if the environment isn't favorable. Average is 3 days.

[Tina]

3 to 7 days is a long time.

I'm thinking about this because hubby leaves for a business trip on a Sat....I "may" ovulate on that Tuesday or later when he's gone :shrug:

[clsupnorth]

You can't control how long they live for, but there are things you can do to increase favorable conditions.

To increase fertile (egg whitish) cervical fluid: drink a ton of water in the days leading up to ovulation.
An expectorant such as Robitussin can also be used orally to increase mucus.
Decaf green tea in copious amounts helps, too.

To decrease spermicidal action: don't use lubricant. Easier said than done, but most lubricants (KY, astroglide, you name it) are NOT conducive to sperm living long. Saliva is the most spermicidal.
The only lubricant on the market that helps keep sperm alive is Preseed. It's expensive and only available mail order. That, and actual egg whites. But that has the potential to cause infection and some people are grossed out by it.