The Benefits of Using Fertility Lubricant
When trying to get pregnant, couples typically focus on ovulation, timing, dietary alterations, and lifestyle changes. However, something often overlooked is the type of lubricant being used. Not all lubricants are the same. Some lubricants can significantly lower your chances of conceiving, while others, like fertility lubricants, can improve them.
This article explores the benefits of using conception-friendly lubricants and how they can enhance your chances of becoming pregnant. If you’re looking for the best lube for conception, or the best lube for pregnancy read on to understand more.
What is Fertility Lubricant?
Lubricant and fertility might not be two concepts you would typically put together, but fertility lubricants are a safe and effective aid for your fertility journey. Also known as conception-friendly lubes, or fertility-safe lubes, they are specifically formulated to mimic natural cervical mucus and support sperm health.
In contrast to a regular lubricant, fertility-friendly lubricant does not contain ingredients that harm sperm or hinder their ability to swim. Instead, they are made with the ideal pH and viscosity for sperm. This essentially helps as many sperm as possible to swim toward the egg for fertilization.
What Makes Fertility Lubricants Different from Regular Lubes?
Regular lubricants, particularly silicone-based and oil-based, often contain ingredients that can adversely affect vaginal health and be detrimental to sperm health.
Synthetic ingredients in many traditional lubes such as; fragrances, preservatives, sulfates, and parabens can alter the vaginal pH, cause infections, and render the female reproductive system an inhospitable environment for sperm.
Studies have also shown that many traditional lubes are known to affect the vitality and motility of sperm. This can lower sperm’s ability to move through the cervix, into the fallopian tubes, and successfully reach the egg.
Choosing a sperm-friendly lubricant for fertility, on the other hand, creates the ideal environment for sperm to survive and swim, which significantly increases the chance of successful fertilization.
Benefits of Using Fertility Lubricants
Designed for use by all couples who are trying for a baby, the benefits of using a fertility lubricant when babymaking during the fertile days of the ovulation cycle really does help to increase the likelihood of actually getting pregnant.
Enhances Sperm Mobility
One of the main benefits of fertility-safe lubes is their help in boosting sperm mobility and reducing any resistance sperm might encounter. Approximately 300 million sperm are released during sex, with as little as 200 reaching the egg. These 200 sperm typically work together on the egg’s surface to allow just one to break through and fertilize it.
While regular lubes can significantly hinder sperm mobility, the pH and viscosity of fertility-friendly lubricants help them to swim more easily through cervical mucus and navigate the reproductive tract to fertilize an egg.
If sperm mobility is a concern for you and your partner, using a fertility-friendly lubricant could make all the difference to conceiving naturally.
Supports Sperm Viability
Conceive-friendly lubricant, which is another name for fertility lube, is also designed to support sperm viability by keeping them alive for longer and preventing them from being damaged or weakened. This is achieved with a combination of optimal pH levels in the best fertility lubricants and the ideal osmotic pressure that keeps sperm alive and healthy.
In contrast, a hostile environment with a pH lower than 7.0 can cause sperm to perish quickly, meaning the chances of conception are lower.
If you are struggling with sperm viability, a fertility lube could be the answer.
Reduces Vaginal Dryness
For many women, vaginal dryness has proven to be a significant barrier to getting pregnant. Known to cause friction, micro-tears on the vaginal walls, bleeding, and pain during sex, vaginal dryness can put women off having sex. It can also increase anxiety and stress around the topic of intercourse. Which, in turn, lowers a couple’s chance of conceiving.
Conception friendly lubricant can provide the necessary moisture required to ease the discomfort of vaginal dryness without harming sperm. When intercourse is more enjoyable, couples are more likely to engage more frequently. And when sex is comfortable during the fertile window, chances of getting pregnant often increase.
If you are suffering from painful sex or discomfort during sex while trying to conceive, fertility experts highly recommend lubricants for fertility. Interestingly, fertility lube is also a good lube for pregnancy when seeking to relieve vaginal dryness.
How to Choose the Best Fertility Lubricant or “sperm friendly lube”
Although various conceive-friendly lubricant options are available, not all are created equal and some can promise more than they deliver. Some factors to consider when choosing the best fertility lubricant include the following:
Ingredients and Formulation
When it comes to lube and fertility, look for lubricants free from harmful ingredients such as preservatives, and petrochemicals. It’s also wise to avoid any fertility lubes with artificial fragrances or coloring.
According to leading fertility experts around the world including the inventors of Conceive Plus Fertility Lubricant from Harvard University Hospital, the best conception lube is isotonic water-based formulation, that has a pH between 7 and 7.6, and includes Calcium (Ca) and Magnesium (Mg) ions to better mimic the body's natural fluids and promote migration and bonding of sperm to the egg.
Clinical Approval
It’s also important to check fertility lubricant labels to ensure they are clinically tested and FDA-cleared for use during conception. FDA-cleared fertility lubricants have been tested and designated safe for sperm, vaginal health, and fertility support. Clinical approval ensures the lubricant has undergone rigorous testing to validate its safety and efficacy.
Seeking recommendations or endorsements from reputable fertility experts or medical organizations can also provide additional assurance that you choose the best conception lubricant for your fertility journey.
Common Misconceptions About Fertility Lubricants
When it comes to fertility lubricants, there are several common misconceptions that often lead to confusion. One major misconception is that all personal lubricants are detrimental to sperm motility and fertility. While many conventional lubricants can create a barrier or alter the pH balance, affecting sperm movement and viability, fertility-friendly options are specifically formulated to support conception.
Will it solve infertility issues?
Another misunderstanding is the belief that fertility lubricants can solve all infertility issues. While they can be beneficial for couples trying to conceive by enhancing comfort and reducing friction, they are not a cure-all for underlying fertility problems. Around 70% of trying-to-conceive couples will experience vaginal dryness when being sexually intimate during the fertile days and this may be considered a cause of infertility that can be resolved by using a fertility lubricant that has been independently cleared for sperm safety such as Conceive Plus Fertility Lubricant.
It is important to use fertility lubricants as part of a broader approach to reproductive health and consult with a healthcare provider for comprehensive advice. Educating couples on these products can help them make informed decisions and improve their overall conception journey.
Can You Use Lube While Pregnant?
Yes, you can use a fertility-friendly lubricant during pregnancy. And is lube safe during pregnancy? Yes, it is. Thankfully, it can continue to ease vaginal dryness, which is common during pregnancy. In fact, using a fertility lubricant to alleviate vaginal dryness during pregnancy also ensures you are using a pregnancy-safe lube that won’t harm you or your baby.
Maintaining comfort during intercourse can be particularly important during pregnancy, as hormonal changes can lead to increased vaginal dryness. The best fertility lube also provides a secure and effective solution for maintaining comfort during sex throughout your pregnancy.
Does Lube Kill Sperm?
Not all lubes kill sperm, but if you’ve ever wondered ‘what does lube do to sperm?’ you’d be correct in thinking that regular lubricants can harm sperm and reduce their motility.
Fertility-friendly lube, on the other hand, is designed to be sperm-friendly and will not kill sperm or hinder sperm movement. On the contrary, fertility-safe lubes promote a favorable environment for sperm and enhance their ability to reach the egg.
When choosing a conceive-friendly lubricant, confirm that the product has been independently tested for sperm safety and that it is suitable for use during your fertility journey.
Conceive Plus® fertility lubricant was cleared safe for use by couples trying-to-conceive by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on November 7 2013. See published study
Natural Alternatives: Coconut Oil
We love it for massage but can coconut oil be used as a lubricant when trying to conceive? Let's look at this more closely:
Coconut Oil as Lubricant When Trying to Conceive
Coconut oil is sometimes recommended as a natural alternative to commercial lubricants. While it is generally considered safe to use on the genitals, it can upset the vaginal pH balance in some women and might not be as sperm-friendly as fertility lubricants.
If you choose coconut oil as a personal lubricant, check with a healthcare practitioner first, and ensure it is a pure and organic option without additives or preservatives.
Does Coconut Oil Kill Sperm?
Coconut oil, while often touted for its natural and health benefits in various contexts, is not a sperm-friendly lubricant. Like many other oils and substances not explicitly designed for fertility, coconut oil can potentially create a hostile environment and harm sperm. It can affect sperm motility and survival, which might negatively influence conception efforts. If you are trying to conceive, it is advisable to use a lubricant that is specifically designed to be sperm-friendly and aid fertility, ensuring it supports rather than hinders sperm health. Always consider consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations in your conception journey.
When trying to conceive, a sperm-friendly lubricant is the best lube for getting pregnant by giving sperm the best chance to reach and fertilize an egg.
How to Use Fertility Lubricants Effectively
Using a fertility lubricant is not complicated, but because the consistency is a little lighter than regular personal lubricants you might find you'll need to use more than you think. Don't be shy!
Applying the Lubricant
To reap the benefits of fertility lubricants, simply apply a small amount to the vaginal opening and the penis before sex. Applying to both the vaginal opening and penis will ensure that the lubricant is evenly distributed to provide the necessary moisture and support for sperm. Proper application will also improve comfort during sex and increase the chances of successful conception.
If using fertility lubricant in pre-filled applicators follow the instructions for use carefully to ensure correct application of the lubricant inside the vaginal cavity. Prefilled applicators provide an excellent way of applying the lubricant discreetly up to 10 minutes before sexual activity. This is especially helpful for couples that do not regularly use personal lubricant and want to have the benefits of fertility lubricant without stopping to apply like a regular lube.
Another important tip is to follow the instructions provided with the lubricant. Some fertility lubricants may require a few minutes to reach optimal consistency and effectiveness, so plan accordingly to ensure the best results.
Consistency is Key
To improve your chances of conception, it's advisable to use fertility-friendly lubes consistently during your fertile window. Keeping track of your ovulation cycle will ensure you’re using the lubricant during your most fertile days and regularity can significantly help your journey to conception.
Regular use of fertility lubricants can also help create a supportive environment for sperm throughout your cycle. This can be particularly beneficial for couples hoping to conceive to maximize the chances of getting pregnant.
Conclusion
Using a fertility lubricant when trying to conceive can be a game changer but you want to ensure you choose the best lubricant for conception. Specifically designed to support vaginal health, sperm vitality, and motility, fertility-friendly lubricants are widely considered the best lube for getting pregnant.
In addition to creating a sperm-friendly environment, and alleviating vaginal dryness during sex for more comfort, fertility lubes can significantly increase your chances of conception. And they can also serve as the best lube for pregnancy.
Remember, every couple’s journey to parenthood is unique. And some roads to pregnancy can take longer than others. Try not to put too much pressure on yourself, stay relaxed, enjoy sex, enhance your chances of pregnancy with regular use of a fertility lubricant, and believe that everything will happen when the time is right.
REFERENCES / ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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