How Long Does A Sperm Take To Fertilize An Egg?

Posted on Mon, 7 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 7 Nov 2016 Answered on

Thu, 24 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi,
can I know how much time a sperm takes to be motile & swim to fertilize a egg?
Also a sperm loose its ability to swim if we have long intercourse session & ejaculate only once on alternate days??

Answered by Dr. Sameer Kumar (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
sperm takes 24-36 hrs to reach ovum

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
thanks for the query to HCM,
Sperm takes around 24-36 hrs to travel from vaginal tract to ampulla region of the fallopian tube where if it meets the egg or ovum, it then fertilises it.
Secondly, Sperm can remain alive in reproductive tract for 72 hrs , so it doesn't loose its motility until then and there is no relation of motility with prolonged intercourse or intercourse on alternate day.
If pregnancy is desired then multiple intercourses should be attempted with ejaculation even on the same day especially during the lady's fertile period.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar