Lubes are very popular, and for a good reason. Apart from spicing things up in the bedroom, it can help women prevent vaginal discomfort during sexual intercourse. Therefore, it is unsurprising that 66% of women in Australia say that they have used lube at some point. According to a report, 42% of premenopausal women experience discomfort during sex, which jumps to almost 80% in women actively trying to conceive. Lubricants can help in such situations by easing the discomfort and making the activity more pleasurable. In the following sections of this post, we will examine what it means to be categorised as sperm-friendly lube and answer some questions regarding its efficacy.

What is a fertility-friendly lube?

Let’s answer this fundamental question: What is a fertility-friendly lubricant?

Fertility-friendly lubricants in Australia must meet the strict standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) . Manufacturers undergo comprehensive testing to ensure their products do not hinder fertilisation. This includes in-vitro evaluations where sperm are exposed to the lubricant to assess motility and viability, as well as in-vivo studies using animal models that mimic natural conditions. Additionally, lubricants are screened for endotoxins to guarantee that even trace amounts do not affect sperm health.

What is the difference between fertility-friendly lube and personal lubricant?

All types of lube are made to be used on sensitive areas; hence, most manufacturers have some safety and side effects tests done on them. Some manufacturers also go a step further and test for condom compatibility. The main difference between fertility-friendly lubricant and personal lube is that the latter’s manufacturers did not provide the TGA with safety data. The data we are talking about here relates to the lube’s effect on the sperm egg and its impact on fertilisation. It is still possible for some of the lubes that are not categorised as fertility-friendly to have any effects on sperm, but there is no data to corroborate that. On the other hand, the lubricants classified as fertility-friendly have undergone tests to prove that they don’t have any adverse effects on sperm or eggs.

Some personal lubricants contain chemical preservatives, such as parabens , which can disrupt the vaginal environment’s balance. These chemicals may affect natural enzymatic processes and pH levels necessary for sperm to function optimally. Couples trying to conceive should select products that are free from these additives, creating more favourable conditions for fertilisation and complying with regulatory standards.

Conceive Plus is Fertility-friendly for couples who are trying to conceive! [/caption]

Fertility-friendly lubricant ingredients

Let’s get one thing very clear before we go ahead. No ingredient in the fertility-friendly lubes makes them magically inert toward sperm, eggs, and fertilisation. While all fertility-friendly lubes are safe for sperm, their formula might have different ingredients. The following section will discuss some ingredients and characteristics to look for in a fertility-friendly lube. Some elements and properties might indicate that the lube is safe for the sperm, while others suggest good for your vaginal health.

Sperm-friendly lubricant with pH around 7:

While the pH of the vaginal fluids is around 4.0-4.5, it can change during sexual arousal. The pH of the vagina can increase to about 7.0 when you are aroused, and it matches the pH of the semen. Having a neutral pH is crucial for the survival of the sperm. If you are trying to get pregnant, you don’t want a lube that changes the pH of your vagina too much. You want to get into that neutral zone throughout sexual intercourse to allow the sperm cells the best chance to fertilise the egg. If the pH falls into the acidic region, the sperm cells begin to die, and that’s not good if you are TTC. Make sure to read the label on the lube; most manufacturers will advertise that it has a pH of around 7. If you are TTC, avoid those that don’t explicitly state the pH on the packaging.

Iso-osmotic

The osmolality of fluid indicates how many particles that fluid has per unit of water. Iso-osmotic solutions will have the same number of solute particles per unit of water molecules. Using a lube with a different osmolality than your vagina might cause the cells to die , leading to infections . The normal osmolarity of your vagina is 270 mOsm/Kg, and you should look for a lube close to this range. Unfortunately, many personal lubes can have 3-4 times higher osmolality values than your vaginal tissue. It would be wise to stay away from such lubes. You can check out some common lubes’ osmolality values on a resource published by the World Health Organization.

Sperm-friendly lubricant that’s Glycerin-free

Glycerin , or glycerol as it is often called, is a natural substance found in plants and animals. However, as we discussed before, it has a very high value of osmolality that can lead to harmful effects. Lubes containing glycerin can significantly reduce the motility of the sperm, making it harder for them to reach the egg to fertilise it. Another issue with glycerin is that it is broken down in the vagina into simple sugars such as glucose, increasing your chances of yeast infection.

Key Scientific Findings

Research on fertility-friendly lubricants reveals their effectiveness:

• TGA-approved lubricants maintain high sperm motility, keeping most sperm active during use.
• Controlled studies show sperm viability rates between 70% and 90%, highlighting their safety.
• Tests indicate that these lubricants do not harm sperm DNA, demonstrating strict testing standards.
• Observations show that proper use of these lubricants does not significantly impede fertilisation.

Fertility-friendly lubricant & real-world performances

The study we discussed is excellent, but there is one caveat. The study is done in-vitro, meaning outside the body. So, are these results consistent with real-world situations? A research study on 6400 women could shed more light on this situation. The women were asked what lubes they used—fertility-friendly, pH-balanced, and silicone-based—and the researchers followed them for 12 months. The study found no statistical difference between pregnancy rates among women using fertility-friendly or regular lube. Another study conducted on 300 women found a similar result. So, what to conclude, then? Well, here is our takeaway from all these studies. These studies suggest that the lube you use has little to no impact in real-world conditions. It is difficult to conclude anything this important based on just two studies. Furthermore, both studies lacked specific control groups and did not account for other factors affecting fertility. Consequently, it would be very naïve to conclude anything based on the two studies alone. On the flip side, using a lube that is sperm-friendly won’t hurt at all. Instead, it will offer much better protection to the sperm, and we would recommend going with fertility-friendly lubes if you are TTC.

What is the difference between lab tests & real-world studies for Sperm-friendly lubricants?

Well, there can be many reasons for it. First and foremost, the lab tests were conducted on isolated sperm in a test tube outside the body, which is not how the sperm will naturally interact with the lube. Secondly, the exposure time of the sperm and the lube in the lab tests was over 5 minutes. In real-world situations, the exposure time is much shorter. It’s no wonder that the lab results are a bit amplified compared to real-world situations.

Best Fertility-Friendly Lubricants Available in Australia: Top Picks

When it comes to fertility-friendly lubricants in Australia, two standout options have received TGA approval, ensuring their safety and efficacy for couples trying to conceive. Sasmar Conceive Plus : Offered by us , this lubricant is unique in its formulation. It not only meets the rigorous standards set by the TGA but also contains calcium and magnesium ions. These ions are crucial for cell viability and conception, setting Conceive Plus apart from other options on the market. First Response Conception Friendly Lubricant : Also TGA-approved, this lubricant is another reliable choice for couples in Australia. It is specially formulated to mimic natural fertile fluids, providing an optimal environment for sperm. Both of these lubricants are designed to enhance the likelihood of conception by creating a sperm-friendly environment, making them top picks for those looking to expand their families.

Trusted source for evidence-based information

Rely on Fertility2Family as your go-to source for evidence-based information on a wide array of fertility topics, including the benefits of using fertility-friendly lubricants. Our commitment to our scientifically backed guidance ensures that you receive accurate and relevant guidance customised to meet your specific needs. When it comes to fertility-friendly lubricants , they are a prudent choice for enhancing your chances of conception. Until further research clarifies the full impact of lubricants on fertility, choosing a fertility-friendly option is advisable. Trust Fertility2Family to be your partner in giving your body the best chance to conceive and achieve your family planning goals.

Evan kurzyp

Evan Kurzyp

Evan is the founder of Fertility2Family and is passionate about fertility education & providing affordable products to help people in their fertility journey. Evan is a qualified Registered Nurse and has expertise in guiding & managing patients through their fertility journeys.