In a recent viral interview, Late Night TV host Conan O’Brien and a NASA engineer discussed some spicy topics, such as whether astronauts can masturbate in space and if they are allowed to have porn. Surprisingly, the engineer claimed that while it’s possible to masturbate in zero gravity, it’s prevented since the roaming fluids could lead to accidental pregnancy. He even went as far as to state that three women might get pregnant from the very same stray load. As it turns out, the idea is much more complicated than you might think. And while it’s definitely possible for an astronaut to get pregnant in space, numerous factors make it extremely unlikely to do so unless you’re actively trying. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about the possibility of getting pregnant from stray fluids in space.
Can Astronauts Get Pregnant in Space?
The answer is yes, or at least it can be if you want it to be. The fact is that there are many things we do not know about how sex operates in space and how the environment affects conception (and even whether or not birth can happen).
We’re not the only ones who have questioned this, as NASA has conducted some research on the subject. For example, researchers worked together to see if sperm could survive in space if frozen for extended periods and whether it could cause pregnancy. They found that sperm could indeed survive the trip and that it was possible for a female to get pregnant by using frozen sperm.
Sperm samples can remain viable for as long as 200 years when frozen in space. During the conservation period, the sperm DNA and fertility were not affected. It was even possible for the sperm to fertilize an egg and develop a viable embryo.
This means that people can reproduce in space. However, this does not apply to non-frozen sperm samples, as cosmic radiation during travel is so high that it can significantly reduce male sperm count and even sterilize a human fetus.
Is Pregnancy From Stray Masturbatory Emissions in Space Possible?
To get pregnant, you need to have intercourse and ovulate with an active sperm cell that can fertilize the egg. Even if there were some way for stray fluids to get into the vagina and swim up into the uterus, the time limit would still prevent pregnancy.
A woman would have to be naked and spread eagle at the same time that airborne sperm happened to be floating by for this to even be remotely possible. So, realistically speaking, you probably will not get pregnant in space even if one of your shipmates decides to boldly go where no man has ever gone before.
When it comes to whether scientists believe unplanned space pregnancies are possible, it’s still too early to tell. One thing is clear: humans have much more to learn about our bodies and how they operate in space before we can confidently say that astronauts might get pregnant from stray fluids.
Space is a “Keep Your Rocket in Your Pocket” Zone
NASA has a protocol against any sexual activity in space, including masturbation. It’s not just about getting pregnant but also about the difficulty of stray fluids reaching electrical and mechanical systems. A small amount of fluid can cause significant problems, so keeping the spaceship as clean as possible is essential.
Pregnancy in Space is Strongly Discouraged
There are many reasons why space travel makes getting pregnant challenging. First, you’re already in a confined environment with limited resources and access to healthcare on Earth; add space’s lack of gravity, radiation exposure, and extreme temperatures into the mix, and you have a recipe for disaster. In addition, space conditions can be challenging for the body, so it could be dangerous for a woman to get pregnant in orbit.
The risk is high enough that NASA has prohibited astronauts from conceiving during their missions. It’s not only a security concern. Getting pregnant in space is also morally questionable, as it could be considered a form of human experimentation that could harm both the mother and her fetus. In space, there are many unknowns about how a fetus will develop in zero gravity. Additionally, there is no way to determine how radiation exposure may impact reproductive cells.
The Effect of Space Radiation
NASA researchers have studied the risks presented by cosmic rays extensively for many years. The results of these studies reveal an alarming increase in risks associated with radiation exposure during pregnancy, including genetic disabilities, cancer, and other health problems, damage to DNA, changes in cell growth patterns, and anomalies. Even if you were standing on the ground next to a nuclear power plant during the first trimester, your pregnancy would be safer than being exposed to space-related radiation outside the Earth’s atmosphere. Suffice it to say, space travel will not be an option for pregnant women anytime soon.
Conclusion
Can stray sperm get astronauts pregnant during spaceflight? Frankly, the idea of accidental extraterrestrial procreation is a bit more complicated than your colleague’s water cooler musings would lead you to believe. Based on our research, we can tell you that the answer is probably not. We’ll likely never know what happens behind closed doors at NASA, but one thing’s for sure: If the agency does find a way for astronauts to conceive in space (or even give birth), we’ll be watching closely to see if this viral story holds water. And while it’s certainly possible for an astronaut to get pregnant in space, a number of factors make it exceedingly unlikely unless you’re actively trying. Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about the possibility of getting pregnant from stray fluids in space. One thing is clear: humans have much more to learn about our bodies and how they function in space before we can confidently say that astronauts could get pregnant from stray fluids. Additionally, space conditions can be challenging for the body, so it could be dangerous for a woman to get pregnant in orbit.
Getting pregnant in space is also highly doubtful, as it could be seen as a form of human experimentation that could harm both the mother and her fetus.