Lube, anyone? We all know when the pressure is on (and it’s definitely on when trying to make a baby), anything that can help enhance enjoyment and comfort is most welcome between the sheets. This is where lubricants come in. But not all lubricants are made equal, and you definitely want to pick a fertility-friendly lubricant if you want to increase your chances of baby-making success.
Is a fertility-friendly lubricant necessary?
We know that lubricant isn’t for everyone. But, if we are completely honest with ourselves, baby-making sex tends to be less spontaneous and romantic and without being harsh, it can, if you have been trying for a while, begin to feel like a chore!
So on the days when you feel you have to partake but are not really in the mood, a good fertility-friendly lubricant could be just the ticket for a more comfortable ride!
Additionally, some fertility medications might cause dryness, making lubricant a must.
Can lubricants affect fertility?
Pre-baby-making sex, if you needed to reach for the lube, the only things you needed to worry about were if it was fragrance-free and paraben free. When trying for a baby, it’s not just lubricants containing spermicide you must avoid.
Some lubricants can harm sperm because they do not have the correct PH balance or they contain toxic ingredients. Some lubes also create a barrier and dehydrate sperm, so they cannot swim properly. So yes, your choice of lubricant could make all the difference when TTC.
What exactly is a fertility-friendly lubricant?
So what do you need to look for when hunting down the perfect fertility-friendly lubricant? Well, step one is to find one that is exactly that. Look for ones marked as “sperm friendly” or “fertility-friendly”. A company is not allowed to label their product as fertility friendly unless approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Fertility friendly lubes should match the consistency of cervical mucus and its PH balance. This creates the perfect environment for sperm. Fertility friendly lubricants are also safe for IVF or other fertility treatments.
What should I avoid?
Before purchasing a new lubricant, it’s worth scanning the ingredients to ensure it doesn’t contain anything that could harm your ability to conceive. THinks to avoid include:
- Glycerol or paraben
- A PH lower than 7. The box should state the PH level or that it matches cervical mucus.
- Any natural or organic lubricants untested by the FDA.
On the subject of things to avoid, household oils should also be given a miss. They can contain harmful peroxides and inflammatory chemicals. They can also interfere with the vagina’s ability to self-clean itself.
So our advice is to stick to a FDA-certified fertility-friendly lubricant to be on the safe side.
Can lubricants increase fertility?
Unfortunately, this cannot be confirmed either way. But what we do know is that a fertility-friendly lube won’t do any harm and can make sex more comfortable and enjoyable for both parties. Especially when you are feeling under pressure to perform because the ovulation test says it’s go time!
Conclusion
If you are considering using a lubricant whilst trying to conceive, make sure you shoes one that is fit for purpose and doesn’t contain any nasties that can hurt the sperm and make their job harder! Have you got a favourite fertility-friendly lubricant? Join us in the Hoopsy Fertility Community, or contact us to let us know your thoughts and recommendations!
