According to the Mayo Clinic, the life span of sperm after they’re ejaculated depends on the environmental conditions. Sperm ejaculated into the vagina remain alive in the mucus of the cervix and are able to fertilize an egg for three to five days. Sperm ejaculated outside the body — onto skin, cloth or into a condom – usually live only a few hours.

So what does that mean for protecting yourself and your partner during sexual activity? Certainly the use of barrier protection, such as a male/external or female/insertive condom and oral dams, provide significant protection against pregnancy and the transmission of infections when used properly each time. Hormonal contraception, such as the birth control pill, patch or ring, and barriers like the diaphragm and cervical cap, only provide protection from pregnancy. 

Here are a  few other hints to reduce your risk of infection or pregnancy after ejaculation:

• Avoid getting ejaculate on your hands or toys and then putting them in your partner’s vagina, anus or mouth.
• Urinate and wash your hands after sexual activity. It will help to wash away bodily fluids.  
• Clean toys after each use. Use a cleanser designed for sex toys or antibacterial soap with Triclosan. Non-porous materials such as silicone, hard plastic, Pyrex glass, or stainless steel can usually be run through the dishwasher or boiled in water for three minutes.

What other ways do you use to protect yourself if you are sexually active?

Tags: hygiene, sexual health, sperm