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Maternal  (Expert Forum)
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Re: How long does sperm live outside the body?
Patient medical question and answer from The Maternal and Child Health Forum. Health topic area and articles about newborn care

Re: How long does sperm live outside the body?

by Joy__0, Jan 01, 1995 12:00AM
Posted By Joy on January 22, 1999 at 08:11:21:

In Reply to: Re: How long does sperm live outside the body? posted by Jill on January 21, 1999 at 19:20:34:






: : : : How long does sperm live outside the body.  Specifically I have the following questions:
: :  - If sperm is dry to the touch, say on a finger or on sheets, is it dead?
: : : :  - I have read different places that sperm needs a moist warm enviornment to survive.  What constitutes a moist warm enviornment.  Does a bathtub constitute a moist warm enviornment?  Can sperm survice in water such as in a bathtub?  Can sperm survive on a "damp towel" that is used to clean up sperm after an ejaculation?
: : : :  - Can sperm survive in a woman's mouth and for how long, technically a moist warm enviornment?  What if you ejaculate or get pre-*** in a woman's mouth, deep kiss, and then perform oral sex on her, can she get pregnant?
: : : :  - Can sperm from an ejaculation go through clothes?
: : : :  - How long does sperm live in the open air.
: : Does anyone know anyone that has become pregnant without having intercourse?
: Dear Darren:
: : : Sperm are living cells. They remain healthy within a small range of temperature, moisture, molarity (content of salt and other chemicals in the moisture) and acidity. Sperm which have become totally dry, which have become immeshed into fabric, which have been exposed to destructive forces such as the enzymes in saliva, the heat, soapiness, or lack of balanced salt content in bathwater are unlikely to survive (continue to swim) for longer than minutes.
: : : Pregnancy can occur without intercourse if sperm-rich ejaculate in deposited near the entrance to the vagina: this is a poor way to become pregnant but it has happened.
: Keywords: sperm survival
: This information is provided for education purposes only and is not amedical consultation. If you have specific questions, please speak with your physician.
Can sperm from an ejaculation go through clothes, specifically jeans and panties, and impregnate your parter?
Darren,
: It has happened to me.  And not only through underwear, but through the pill as well, which is a much thicker barrier, I'd say, than a pair of Levi's.  Basically, if semen got through the clothing onto the woman's vaginal area, there is possibility for pregnancy.  Sperm are more than small enough to fit through the loose weave of cotton or denim.
Cheryl,
I wonder if I could just ask you a couple of questions, feel free not to answer them if you feel they are too personal.
- Were you taking your pill regularly?
- Did your partner ejaculate right on your panties?
- Did he have any clothing on?
Darren,
The pill is one of the most effective forms of birth control when taken regualarly.  If you take it at the same time, same day it has a 98% accuarcy rating.  Just be sure your girlfriend takes it and that you use protection when she is taking antibiotics.

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