Can I use lube while TTC?

Even though you and your significant other might be fooling around between the sheets a little more frequently than usual, you may want to consider avoiding artificial lubricant as you try to conceive, as it can actually be harmful to your efforts to conceive.

Problem

Many store-bought lubricants slow sperm down and prevent them from reaching the uterus by causing damage to the sperm’s DNA. While cervical fluid usually protects sperm, lubricants can prevent sperm from reaching this important bodily fluid, allowing them to die in the vagina’s acidic environment.

Types of lube

• Oil-based: These lubes, commonly found in the form of petroleum jelly, are often free from the additives of water-based lubes, and are better for couples not using condoms, as they can interfere with latex.
• Water-based: These lubes are the most common because they’re safe to use with condoms and other latex or silicone based products. Products such as KY Jelly can be found in most pharmacies, but dry up easily and can contain preservatives and other unsafe additives.

Solutions

Instead of artificial lubricant, try spending a longer time in the foreplay stage, or using a natural solution such as warm water, baby oil, or vegetable oil. Another option is the fertility-friendly lubricant Pre-Seed, which is specially-designed to not interfere with the sperm’s ability to reach the cervix.

Read more

• 9 common problems affecting conception
• Could you have a sperm allergy?

Sources

• Kutteh WH, Chao CH, Ritter JO, Byrd W. "Vaginal lubricants for the infertile couple: effect on sperm activity." International Journal of Fertility and Menopausal Stories. 41(4):400-4. Web. July-August 1996.
• Ranjit S. Sandhu, et al. "In vitro effects of coital lubricants and synthetic and natural oils on sperm motility." Fertility and Sterility. 101(4):941-944. Web. Apr 2014.