Did you know that vaginal lubricants can inhibit sperm motility? Today I discuss the detrimental effects that vaginal lubricants can have upon sperm!
I have met many couples who do not realize that vaginal lubricants have the potential to inhibit sperm motility and impair fertility. There have been many good studies showing that commonly used vaginal lubricants can actually decrease sperm survival and motility. The practice committee of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine with the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility published a review of the studies of vaginal lubricants and their effects upon sperm.
The practice committee states, “Some vaginal lubricants may decrease fertility, based on their observed effects on sperm survival in vitro.” The committee goes on the state, “Whereas, commercially available water-based lubricants (e.g., Astroglide®, KY Jelly®, and Touch®) inhibit sperm motility in vitro by 60% to 100% within 60 minutes of incubation, canola oil has no similar detrimental effect.” Additionally, “KY Jelly, olive oil, and saliva diluted to concentrations even as low as 6.25% adversely affect sperm motility and velocity, but mineral oil has no such effect.”
So, are there any “sperm-friendly” vaginal lubricants that a couple can use? The practice committee states, “Hydroxyethylcellulose-based lubricants such as Pre-Seed® (INGfertility, Valleyford, WA) also have no demonstrable adverse impact on semen parameters.”
The practice committee concludes that, “it seems prudent to recommend mineral oil, canola oil, or hydroxyethylcellulose- based lubricants when they are needed.”
At Dallas IVF, we recommend avoiding common commercially available lubricants and to only consider “sperm-friendly” lubricants such as Pre-Seed®, mineral oil, or canola oil. Talk to your infertility specialist to see which vaginal lubricant is right for you so that you can optimize your chances of getting pregnant.
Source: Fertility and Sterility, Volume 90, Issue 5, Page S3, November 2008, Authors: Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine with the Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Dr. Lowell Ku, M.D. is an award winning and leading Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility specialist at Dallas IVF, one the nation’s premiere infertility centers. Dr. Ku clarifies the many confusing terms used in the world of Infertility using straightforward explanations.
