I always tell women who are trying to become pregnant to have some fun. But one thing many couples reach for off the bedside table to increase pleasure may actually lower your chance of conceiving – personal lubricants.  A recent study found that some common lubricants found in stores may actually harm sperm and reduce the chance of pregnancy.

The study found that certain store-bought lubricants slowed sperm motility, making it more difficult for sperm to travel to the fallopian tubes and meet an egg ripe for fertilization. Pre-seed, a lubricant designed specifically for conception, did not impact sperm movement.

Important news for couples facing fertility problems

When you’re dealing with infertility, you want to boost your chances for success whatever way you can. That’s why these findings are important for couples coping with fertility treatments. Some fertility medications may actually cause vaginal dryness. Personal lubricants may erroneously be provided to men who need to masturbate at a fertility clinic to collect a semen specimen for a sperm count and motility check, or to be used for fertility treatments like intrauterine insemination or in vitro fertilization.

So what can you do if you’re trying to have a baby and need, or want, to use a lubricant? Reach for canola oil, baby oil, sesame oil or mineral oil instead. It’s cheaper for you and may be better for conception. But, the best lubricant choice is Pre-seed. It’s been specifically designed to use when you’re trying to conceive. And make sure it’s available at your fertility clinic. You may be surprised.

One final word of caution, just because personal lubricants may reduce your chance of getting pregnant does not make it an effective form of birth control.

Interested in women’s sexual health? Contact us for an appointment.