Sperm health is related to multiple factors in your physical and psychological well-being. Every individual is different, but there are certain facts about sperm health and their survival outside the male body, which you should be aware of.
Millions of serums are made by the male testicles each day. And they continue to enter the epididymis where the development stage is complete. Each sperm has a head and tail and looks like a tadpole. All of the vital genetic material or DNA is found in the head.
Here are some health facts about them:
- Survival in a woman’s body
Once you ejaculate inside a woman, the sperm survives for about 72 hours to 5 days in the reproductive tract. Outside the female body or post ejaculation, it doesn’t survive for more than a few minutes. The reason they continue to survive this long in the reproductive tract is because of nutrient-rich fluid that is found here. If they are able to make it through the cervix and to the uterus — they can attach to the fallopian tubes and female egg — leading to pregnancy.
- Pulling out method
Even the pull-out method is not really foolproof. Before you ejaculate, the body releases a very little amount of something that is referred to as the pre-cum. This may contain some healthy cells which could make its way into the cervix. The pull-out or withdrawal method is only known to be 96% effective. Another issue is that most men get it wrong, which leads to unwanted pregnancy.
- In hot tubs
Be it a jacuzzi or a hot tub; the sperm don’t survive for more than a few seconds because of the hot water. Having sex in this warm water is quite safe and has minimal chances of pregnancy. Even if you ejaculate in the tub, the chances of that sperm entering the female body are negligible. But remember this will not apply to intercourse as the sperm is not being exposed to the harsh environment.
- Freezing sperm
According to researchers and scientists, sperm cells have a tendency to survive indefinitely if they are frozen correctly. If the temperature inside the tub or the container remains constant, these sperm can easily live in a temperature of (-196°C). During this phase, they enter a suspended animation mode and are not functioning anymore. This method is ideal for preserving sperm for people who have a high cancer risk.
Overall sperm health is impacted by:
- Diet and lifestyle changes
- Consumption of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol
- Psychological health like stress, anxiety, etc.
- Social health like job issues, position in society
- Exposure to chemicals and metals
- Imbalance of hormones
If you want to improve sperm health, you should try and quit smoking, exercise and lead a healthier lifestyle. Alongside, stop using drugs and opt for healthy supplements instead that can boost sperm growth and overall health. Avoid tight undergarments that overheat testicles and in turn, are known to impact and lower sperm production.
Medically reviewed by Rishabh Verma, RP
