Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations.

Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

How long do sperm live after ejaculation? Answer From Patricio C. Gargollo, M.D.

The life span of sperm after ejaculation depends on the circumstances.

Ejaculated sperm remain viable for several days within the female reproductive tract. Fertilization is possible as long as the sperm remain alive — up to five days.

Sperm can also be preserved for decades when semen is frozen.

With Patricio C. Gargollo, M.D.



