Effect of lubricants on conception
Some lubricants may inhibit conception. This is especially true for home made lubricants like olive oil and store bought lubricants . These vaginal lubricants can damage sperms and interfere with their ability to travel to the uterus and fertilize an egg.
Before ovulation, the acidity or pH of vaginal mucus is perfect for sperm survival and movement. The pH of most lubricants are not sperm friendly. They are acidic enough to kill sperms and the thickness can make it difficult for sperms to travel. The water content can damage the sperms by causing them to absorb water.
It is best to focus on foreplay when you’re trying to conceive. Most women need about 15 to 20 minutes of foreplay to get into the mood.
However if you still feel the need to use lubricants while you’re trying to conceive, use lubricants that have been clinically proven to be safe and effective for conception. These are usually marketed as “fertility friendly” lubricants.
Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about a lubricant.
Content SourcesEffect of Vaginal Lubricants on Natural Fertility. U.S National Library of Medicine . https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3427535/. Accessed June 7th, 2017
Some lubricants may damage sperms. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20051019/some-vaginal-lubricants-may-damage-sperm. Accessed June 7th, 2017