Trying to conceive (TTC) is a big issue. At least 90 million couples worldwide are trying to become pregnant. With only a 20% average chance of becoming pregnant each cycle, it's no surprise that couples can become stressed.
Intercourse on demand around ovulation, the use of fertility medications such as clomid and the fear of not conceiving can all lead to increased vaginal dryness. In fact, 75% of couples that are trying to become pregnant reported an increased frequency of vaginal dryness.
In relieving vaginal dryness, couples do not want to create another problem. However, over three decades of published medical research has shown that all of the existing personal lubricants studied to date harm sperm causing rapid losses in their viability (% alive) and motility (% swimming) even at low concentrations. Studies have shown a spermicidal activity of the three leading lubricant brands as being equivalent to Gynol Contraceptive Gel.
Studies also show that lubricants decrease the ability of sperm to move through the cervix, thereby reducing fertilisation potential. Additionally lubricants interfere with embryo development due to the damaging effect they have on sperm DNA. It is therefore strongly recommended that couples avoid the use of popular lubricants if they are trying to conceive.
The sperm toxic effect of other lubricants is due to their pH and osmolality(ion concentration in solution) levels which are far outside of the physiological range for sperm. The World Health organisation has defined the optimal pH and osmolality values for sperm survival in cervical mucus as being pH 7.1 – 8.5 and osmolality 320mOsm/kg.
Sperm are very sensitive to low (acidic) pH and, to a lesser extent, elevated (alkaline) pH. Below pH levels of 6.9, sperm die at a rate that increases with lowering pH.
An osmolarity between 260-360 mOsm/kg (that of semen) is best for sperm function.
Adapted from: Rossato M, et al. Role of seminal osmolarity in the regulation of human sperm motility. International Journal of Andrology. 2002; 25: 230-235.
Usually ingredients like glycerin or propylene glycol (in most lubricants), are what result in these high osmolalities. If there are glycols or mineral oils in the lubricant you are using, you can pretty much assume the formula will be damaging to sperm.
The table below shows the actual pH and osmolality values of many popular lubricants and natural remedies as reported by the Empire Health Services Laboratory. Data on file at ING Fertility.
TABLE 1. pH and Osmolalities for Popular Vaginal Dryness Remedies.
Some people will tell you to use a little warm water--- don’t’! Water also kills sperm on contact because it has no salt solution.
Likewise, saliva has digestive enzymes in it that stop sperm from swimming on contact—not so good if you want them to reach the egg!
Even mineral oil that some doctors recommend has been shown to limit the ability of sperm to penetrate eggs in laboratory studies.
