thread: How long do sperm survive?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Sep 2005
    Crazytown
    2,455

    How long do sperm survive?

    Ok I know it's most probably been asked and answered before but I can't find it anywhere, so here goes:

    I went for a dating u/s today and I thought I'd be at least 6 weeks but I got told that I was exactly 5 weeks. So I did a quick calculation in my head and that means I O'd about a week later then I thought and we only BD once before I O'd which would have meant that DH's sperm had to of survived for at least 8 days to make my EDD right.

    So my question is, is it possible that DH's sperm lived for 8-10 days, or am I maybe going to have a missed miscarriage?

    Thanks.

  2. #2
    Registered User

    May 2004
    Shepparton
    4,871

    I remember reading about a women who swears her DP's sperm had have lived for something like 11 days for her to have concieved. I don't know if I will be able to find it, but I will have a look.
    I think these cases are very uncommon and sperm usually lives for UP TO 5 days.

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Jan 2005
    Down by the ocean
    6,110

    According to Billings it is up to 5 if they have been exposed to EWCM because it nourishes them. In my case it was 4 when R was conceived

  4. #4
    BellyBelly Professional Support Panel

    Nov 2005
    QLD
    3,068

    I would be suprised if sperm could live for more than about 4 days. However unusual things do happen. Also the U/S is known to be inaccurate and can be out by quite a few days. That could explain the difference in your dates.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Sep 2005
    Crazytown
    2,455

    Thanks everyone .

    I had a feeling that it wouldn't be longer then 7 days at the absolute most.

    Just stressing a little as they didn't see a heartbeat yet so have to wait two weeks then go back for another scan.

  6. #6
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber & MPM

    Feb 2007
    Melbourne
    5,462

    FWIW my dating scan with DD was out by about 5 or 6 days. I was given an EDD of the 28th of August when I calculated I was due around the 22nd of August (based on when I thought I O'd). The 20 week scan gave her an EDD of the 22nd like I thought it should. She was born on the 24th .

    Sorry you are feeling a bit worried . I hope you get to see a nice healthy heartbeat next time.