Sperm do not generally survive long in the rectal environment due to unfavorable conditions, typically living only a few minutes to a couple of hours at most.
Understanding Sperm Viability
Sperm require specific conditions to survive and remain motile. These conditions include appropriate pH levels, temperature, and the presence of cervical mucus, which are typically found in the female reproductive tract but are absent in the rectum.
Factors Affecting Sperm Survival
   pH Levels: The rectal environment has a different pH compared to the vagina. The vaginal environment is more conducive to sperm survival because it has a slightly alkaline pH, while the rectum is more acidic.
  Temperature: Sperm thrive at body temperature (around 37°C or 98.6°F). The rectum may not maintain this optimal temperature for sperm viability.
   Moisture: While sperm can survive longer in moist environments, once they are exposed to air and begin to dry out, their viability decreases rapidly.
Duration of Survival in the Rectum
According to medical sources:
Short Lifespan: Sperm do not live long in the anus or rectum because of these unfavorable conditions. They face rapid degeneration after ejaculation.
Pregnancy Risk: Engaging in unprotected anal intercourse poses little risk for pregnancy since sperm cannot survive long enough in the rectal environment to travel into the vagina and fertilize an egg.
In summary, while sperm can live for several days inside a woman’s reproductive system under ideal conditions, they do not have such longevity in the rectal environment. Their lifespan is significantly reduced due to unsuitable conditions.
The consensus among health professionals indicates that sperm do not generally survive long in the anus, with estimates suggesting only a few minutes up to a couple of hours at most before they degenerate.