Safe Lubricants that Don’t Affect Sperm Health

To lube or not to lube?… is todays preconception care question.

When having sex couples will often add a lubricant for a few different reasons. 

Sometimes it’s because the woman isn’t producing enough natural lubrication. This can be due to hormonal changes, breastfeeding, and certain medications. 

And other times couples will use a lubricant just to help increase pleasure by decreasing friction.

What’s really important during this preconception time is choosing a sperm-friendly lubricant.

You want to steer clear of flavored, warming, or petroleum-based lubricants, as they can harm sperm motility and viability. 

The goal is to make sure that the sperm makes it all the way up the cervical canal and into the uterus to meet the egg. Having a good, clean lubricant with the correct pH and viscosity will make its travels smooth and easy.

When looking for a safe lubricant, here are some things you want to avoid:

• Using lubricants that have a low pH

• Believing that organic or “natural” lubes are necessarily safe for sperm and eggs

• Using a lube that contains chemicals like glycerol or parabens

• Using common household oils

How do you know which lube to buy?

Well, currently the FDA does not require that lubricant packaging specify how it affects sperm, but they do allow manufacturers to certify their lubricants as fertility-safe.

A fertility safe lubricant is tested for viscosity, a measure of their consistency or texture, pH, and is screened for endotoxins, which are produced by bacteria that may be in the lubricant and will possibly damage sperm and eggs. They are also free of harmful chemicals such as parabens, glycols, and glycerine.

When shopping for a fertility-safe lubricant they will have one of the following classifications:

• Gamete-compatible

• Fertilization-compatible

• Embryo-compatible

• Fertility-safe

Fertility-Friendly Lubricants:

Pre-Seed and Conceive Plus are specifically designed to support sperm health. They mimic the natural cervical mucus environment, helping sperm travel effectively.

Natural Alternatives:

Egg whites (under laboratory conditions) have been shown to be sperm-friendly, but they must be used with caution to avoid contamination.

Buying a fertility-safe lube will give you the peace of mind that those healthy sperm are protected and will have an easier journey to the egg, while supporting enjoyable sex with your partner.