Does using a lubricant inhibit conception?

It may. There's some conflicting evidence, but a number of studies have found that vaginal lubricants can both damage sperm and interfere with their ability to travel to the uterus to fertilize an egg. This is true for many store-bought lubricants as well as for many homemade versions, such as olive oil.

While the pH (acidity) of cervical mucus produced just before ovulation is perfect for sperm survival and movement, the pH of most lubricants isn't sperm friendly. In fact, it's acidic enough to kill sperm. In addition, the thickness of lubricants can make it difficult for sperm to travel, and the water content can damage the sperm by causing them to absorb water.

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The best lubricant to use when conception is your goal is foreplay. Take your time working up to intercourse. Ask your partner to do more touching, hugging, and kissing. Many women say they need 15 to 20 minutes of stimulation to get in the mood.

If you feel dry despite all attempts at foreplay, try using warm water as a lubricant. Water isn't toxic to sperm and won't interfere with the sperm's ability to reach the cervix.

If you still feel the need to use a lubricant while trying to become pregnant, it's best to choose one that's been shown in clinical trials to be safe and effective for conception. These are usually marketed as "fertility friendly" lubricants and include brands such as Pre-Seed and Conceive Plus.

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Sources

BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

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Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, et al. 2013. Optimizing natural fertility: A committee opinion. Fertility and Sterility 100(3):631–7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23993665Opens a new window [Accessed June 2016]

Sandhu RS, et al. 2014. In vitro effects of coital lubricants and synthetic and natural oils on sperm motility. Fertility and Sterility 101(4):941-4. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028213034560Opens a new window [Accessed June 2016]

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Inna Berin

Inna Berin is a reproductive endocrinologist and infertility specialist.

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