Dear joy18354,

Excellent question! Sperm can live in a woman's body for up to six days — possibly seven. And, as long as the semen is still wet, the sperm can survive outside the body. If the semen has dried, been wiped off, or washed off, there are no longer any living sperm.

Pregnancy can happen any time semen spills on or near the vulva. While there are certain times during the month when a woman is more likely to become pregnant, a woman can become pregnant at any time.

Teens who are having sex need to make decisions about birth control. Condoms offer protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.