Why does saliva kill sperm?

Question

I have heard that saliva can kill the sperm when trying to conceive,I just wanted to know what causes it kill them.

Answer 1

Saliva and all gastro-intestinal fluids will kill sperm because they are all acidic and made to break down food particles into their basic parts of protiens, sugars, etc. It won't do much though if you are just spitting into your vagina since the sperm is much farther up in the body cavity.

Answer 2

Saliva is meant to breakdown organic mater. This is why it has a specific Ph. It would be nice to know how it would kill the sperm when trying to conceive. With standard sex, even if the guy gives a lick aftwerwards, I don't think it would have any influence. On another side though, I've heard that a girl could kill the sperm while trying to get some for later in vitro conception...

Answer 3

According to this website: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=54671

Member question: I was wondering if saliva does kill sperm?

Dr. Amos: There have been many studies done on what influences sperm survival. And most studies show that saliva can have a negative effect on sperm. If he has enough sperms then it's unlikely to make a major difference, but if he has a low sperm count then you need every single sperm.

Answer 4

Actually, saliva doesn't kill sperm, but the likely hood of this even being a concern is so far off. I mean, c'mon do you know of a guy who would give women a full on deep kiss after he ejaculated in a her mouth. And then go down on her? Sorry, I am just venting. An equally important question is the risk of STD's and HIV that these situations pose. One good thing is the HIV/AIDS virus is killed by an enzyme present in saliva, but what about everything else?

Answer 5

Saliva contains acids that not only kill sperm but can kill HIV and other viruses too. This is why there is less, almost nil chance of contracting HIV and AIDS through oral sex.
As for the acid in your saliva, well this is to help break down and digest foods before they reach your stomach. And this is why you are encouraged to chew your foods so the saliva can do it's work.

Answer 6

I'm trying to figure out the connection between the saliva and trying to concieve. If you are having oral sex you mean as foreplay and thinking that it would kill the sperm when you have reqular sex, then no, I have not heard that. But to be on the safe side if it does, then restrain from it and just go for regular sex. But if you are trying to use it as birth control then I think it won't work. Those little buggers swim really fast

Answer 7

Because saliva has some proteins that are designed to kill things like germs and keep us safe. These proteins act agaisnt the DNA in the sperm and will destroy it.

Also the sperm needs a very specific range of pH (acidity) to survive and the pH of saliva might be different.

Answer 8

I don't think saliva can kill sperm. My husband and I used it while trying, and I still got pregnant. I talked to an advice nurse at my OB's office, and she said saliva is okay to use as a lube while trying to conceive.

Answer 9

Saliva has enzymes in it that deteriorate everything it touches, whether really really slow or as fast as killing small living organisms. And sperm have a short lifespan as it is, the saliva can easily eat away at the sperm killing them in a quick manner.

Answer 10

saliva is meant to start the breakdown of foods. food in this instance is anything that goes into the mouth. Sperm may begin the digestion process in the mouth, which would break it down and kill it.

I dont know if saliva actually kills sperm but that would be my reasoning