- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preconception articles
- preconception q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Traci Kurtzer Obstetrician and Gynecologist | ||
 |
Can too much vaginal acidity affect or kill sperm?
Keep in mind that the normal, healthy vaginal ecosystem is acidic, but sperm are killed by the acidity. That is why the semen that accompanies the sperm is alkaline. The semen transiently protects the sperm in the vagina until they can move safely past the cervical mucous into the uterus and tubes. Sperm left behind (usually because of poor mobility) are pretty much destroyed by the vaginal acidity in five minutes, so they have to be quick! In fact, the quickest sperm can be found in the tube within 90 seconds of being deposited in the vagina.
Related Expert Q&A
- Did my period come 7-10 days early? Could I possibly be pregnant, or did my body have an early period this month to compensate for a late one last?
- Do orgasms help, hinder or have no bearing on conception?
- Is urinating painful when you have your period? Mine is. Sould I be concerned?
- Can you get pregnant while using an IUD as birth control?
- Is there a good lubricating gel for sexual intercourse that is petroleum free?
More Answers by this Expert
- I am pregnant and planning a trip to India, Thailand, South Africa and Australia. Is it OK to fly and take a 3-month-old to these countries?
- Can I get pregnant during menopause, 18 months after my last period?
- My daughter just had her second C-section and was told her uterus was still open from her first C-section. What does this mean?
- Our daughter has a negative blood type and didn't receive her second RhoGam shot until eight days after giving birth. Will this create problems with future pregnancies?
- After giving birth, my daughter's placenta failed to come out. Is this normal?