Using The Right Lubricant

Homepage Fertility & Pregnancy Using The Right Lubricant
Posted on by Caitlin Allen

The Daily Mail recently highlighted the question of whether couples trying to conceive would benefit from using a sperm friendly lubricant.

We always advise couples we see who are trying for a baby not to use general lubricants during their love-making and not to use saliva. Both can harm sperm. However, if vaginal dryness is an issue, a sperm-friendly lubricant such as Pre Seed or Conceive Plus may help. The PH balance of the lubricant may balance the acid- alkaline balance of the more acid vagina which traditionally repels the more alkaline sperm. Increased moisture may also help the sperm to swim up the cervix.

A 2014 study measured the effect on sperm function of 11 lubricants, including some that claimed to boost fertility. It found that two – Pre-Seed and Conceive Plus – improved ‘motility’, a measure of how much sperm moves. All the others had a detrimental effect.

The jury is out on whether in general couples trying to conceive should use a lubricant at all. Some consultants are wary and warn that they won’t make a difference to the more common issues that make conceiving difficult such as low sperm count, endometriosis, PCOS or blocked fallopian tubes. However, if you’re trying to conceive naturally and do find vaginal dryness an issue, ensure you use a lubricant which will help the sperm do their job of fertilising the egg.
This is just one of the issues that we discuss with couples trying to get pregnant who come to see us to talk through how to maximise their chances of conceiving. A fertility consultation is £49 and you should leave with a clear idea of the way forward and advice on what you can do to improve your chance of conception.
Posted in Fertility & Pregnancy