Sperm was on a towel I washed and dried the towel with other towels only I used detergent and washed it on heavy duty laundry cycle Also did a full dry What are the chances of sperm traces getting on the other towels Can this lead to pregnancy if use

Many people wonder whether sperm on towels or clothes can lead to pregnancy—but is that really possible? Let’s break it down.

What Is Sperm?

Sperm are tiny cells that come from the testicles. They are the male sex cell (or gamete). They carry genetic information.

What Happens During Ejaculation?

When a person assigned male at birth ejaculates, semen comes out of the tip of the penis. Semen is a fluid that contains sperm along with seminal fluid that help sperm move.

How Long Do Sperm Live?

Inside the reproductive tract of those assigned female at birth (AFAB), sperm can survive for several days. That’s why if someone assigned male at birth has vaginal sex, pregnancy is possible.

But what about sperm outside the body—on towels or clothes? Sperm don’t live long on dry surfaces. Once semen dries, the sperm die quickly. Even if the semen is still wet, the chances of sperm surviving and causing pregnancy from a towel or clothing are extremely low.

Can You Get Pregnant from a Towel?

No. Washing a towel or clothing in a regular laundry cycle destroys sperm. Even if someone were to use the same towel afterward, pregnancy wouldn’t happen.

The Bottom Line

Sperm need the right conditions to survive and fertilize an egg. While pregnancy can happen from unprotected sex, it won’t happen from using a washed towel or wearing clothes that had sperm on them. If you have questions about pregnancy risks, safe sex, or birth control, talk to a healthcare provider.