Where Does Sperm Go During Pregnancy

When a woman becomes pregnant, many changes occur within her body, particularly in the reproductive system. One common question that arises is: where does sperm go during pregnancy? Since conception has already taken place, sperm no longer serves its original purpose of fertilizing an egg, but it still has a physiological pathway to follow.

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The Path of Sperm During Pregnancy

Once a woman is pregnant, the cervix undergoes significant changes. It thickens and becomes sealed with a mucus plug, acting as a barrier to protect the developing fetus from bacteria and foreign substances—including sperm. So, where does the sperm go during pregnancy?

Blocked by the Cervical Mucus Plug

The cervix is sealed tightly with a thick mucus plug, which prevents sperm from entering the uterus. This means that sperm released during intercourse cannot travel beyond the vaginal canal [1 ].

Staying in the Vagina

Most of the sperm remains in the vaginal canal and is eventually expelled from the body. The vaginal environment naturally breaks down and eliminates sperm within a few hours to days [2 ].

Absorption by the Female Body

Some sperm cells may be absorbed by the vaginal and cervical tissues. This is a natural process in which the body disposes of unnecessary or excess sperm through its normal biological mechanisms.

Eliminated Through Natural Discharge

The female reproductive system is self-cleaning. Fluids, including seminal fluid, are naturally flushed out over time. Any remaining sperm is typically expelled through normal vaginal secretions [3 ].

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Can Sperm Affect Pregnancy?

Many people wonder if sperm plays any role once pregnancy has been established. The short answer is no—where do sperms go during pregnancy is largely irrelevant to fetal development. However, semen does contain prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that may influence the cervix, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. For couples trying to conceive, using a fertility-friendly lubricant like Conceive Plus Fertility Lubricant can enhance comfort and support sperm motility, making it a helpful addition to your conception journey.

Prostaglandins help soften and ripen the cervix in preparation for labor, which is why some doctors suggest that sexual intercourse late in pregnancy might help induce labor naturally. However, research indicates that while semen contains prostaglandins, the amount absorbed through intercourse is minimal compared to the medical prostaglandins used in labor induction. Thus, while it might contribute slightly to cervical changes, it is unlikely to directly trigger labor [4 ].

Additionally, sperm and seminal fluid do not pose any harm to the developing baby because they do not enter the uterus due to the protective mucus plug. However, in cases where there is a risk of preterm labor or cervical insufficiency, a doctor may recommend avoiding intercourse to prevent unnecessary cervical stimulation.

Overall, while sperm does not affect pregnancy in a significant way, its presence in semen can have mild physiological effects on the cervix, particularly as the body prepares for labor.

Is Intercourse Safe During Pregnancy?

In most cases, sexual activity is safe throughout pregnancy unless a healthcare provider advises otherwise. Some situations where abstaining from intercourse may be recommended include:

A history of preterm labor
Placenta previa (a condition where the placenta covers the cervix)
Risk of miscarriage or complications

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The Bottom Line

Once conception has occurred, sperm no longer has a role in fertilization, and the body has mechanisms to dispose of it naturally. Where does sperm go during pregnancy? It remains in the vaginal canal, gets broken down, is absorbed by tissues, or is expelled from the body. Understanding this natural process can help clear up misconceptions and reassure expectant couples about the safety of intimacy during pregnancy.

If you're curious about the timing of pregnancy tests after intercourse, you might also wonder how long after sex should you get tested for pregnancy to ensure accurate results.

References:

Becher N, Adams Waldorf K, Hein M, Uldbjerg N. The cervical mucus plug: structured review of the literature. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2009;88(5):502-13. doi: 10.1080/00016340902852898. PMID: 19330570.
Morrison AI. Persistence of spermatozoa in the vagina and cervix. Br J Vener Dis. 1972 Apr;48(2):141-3. doi: 10.1136/sti.48.2.141. PMID: 5032772; PMCID: PMC1048291.
Sakkas D, Ramalingam M, Garrido N, Barratt CL. Sperm selection in natural conception: what can we learn from Mother Nature to improve assisted reproduction outcomes? Hum Reprod Update. 2015 Nov-Dec;21(6):711-26. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmv042. Epub 2015 Sep 19. PMID: 26386468; PMCID: PMC4594619.
Kavanagh J, Kelly AJ, Thomas J. Sexual intercourse for cervical ripening and induction of labour. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001;2001(2):CD003093. d oi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003093. PMID: 11406072; PMCID: PMC7017007.