When trying for a baby, sex and intimacy can sometimes become a mission rather than a pleasure. Having sex during the fertile windows or the best days give you the best chances of getting pregnant. But if you are not in the mood for it or if there's vaginal dryness or some medical problems, sex can be difficult and painful.
So here comes the role of lubricants, but is using the lubricants safe for making a baby? Today in this post, we will talk about this common issue which couples face when trying for pregnancy.
Can you use a lubricant when trying to get pregnant?
Yes, but now there's a catch. The lubricant you choose matters a lot. Some lubricants can make it harder for the sperm to reach the egg, while some may be fertility friendly. So many store-bought lubricants can actually work against the sperm by creating a barrier or by having a wrong pH, which can kill the sperm or slow them down.
This is especially true for lubricants which are thick, sticky or have added flavours or warming sensations. Now these types of lubricants can trap the sperms.
What should you avoid in sex lubricant?
Be on lookout for ingredients like parabens, glycerine and anything which creates a warming or cooling sensation. These additives can create an environment which is toxic to the sperm.
So do we have some fertility-friendly lubricants? Yes, there is a good news. There are fertility-friendly lubricants designed specifically to support sperm on their journey through the cervix and into the tube.
These lubricants are often labelled as sperm-friendly or fertility-friendly and are scientifically formulated to mimic the natural pH and consistency of the cervical mucus during the ovulation.
What to look for when choosing sex lube if you are trying to conceive
Here is what to look for in a fertility-friendly lubricant. These lubricants are often labelled as sperm-friendly or fertility-friendly and are scientifically formulated to mimic the natural pH and consistency of the cervical mucus during the ovulation.
1. It should have a balanced PH
Fertility-friendly sex lubricants should have a pH anything between 7 and 8.5 which matches the pH of the cervical mucus during ovulation. This helps the sperm to survive and swim very easily.
2. It should be isotonic
Isotonic lubricants maintain the right fluid balance preventing the sperm from drying out or being damaged.
3. It should be preferably water-based
Water-based lubricants are ideal because they are less likely to create a barrier which traps the sperms.
Recommended Fertility-friendly Sex Lubricants
Let's talk about recommended fertility-friendly lubricant brands. Obviously this is not sponsored and this is a very common question which my patients ask me so I really thought that this is a good topic to post. Here are some of the most popular brands which you can consider.
Now Precede is one of the most recommended fertility-friendly lubricant. It is pH balanced and designed to mimic the natural cervical mucus.
3. Conceive Plus, this is another good option, this is isotonic, fertility-friendly. It contains ions like calcium and magnesium which are known to help the sperm function better.
4. Yes Baby, this is a natural organic option which is water-based and sperm-friendly. It is designed to maintain the correct pH balance ensuring that the sperms survive and move ahead effectively.
5. Fertility lubricant by Baby Dance: Baby Dance is also a good choice. It's water-based, pH balanced and free of harmful chemicals and it is specially formulated for couples who are trying to conceive.
All these brands are available online or in stores and they're a great way to ensure that you are not accidentally sabotaging your chances of getting pregnant with the wrong lubricant.
Natural alternatives of sex lubricant
Do we have a natural lubricant alternative which is fertility-friendly ? If you prefer natural alternatives, here are couples of safe sperm-friendly options.
1. Coconut oil, pure refined coconut oil is a great natural sex lubricant which is gentle and won't harm the sperm. Just make sure that it is not ultra processed with any additives.
2. Some natural oils like olive oil, canola, mustard, baby oil, they're also considered sperm-friendly lubricants and can be used during baby making sex. Of course, remember water-based lubricants are always preferred over the oil-based lubricants.
3. Hydration, another way to naturally enhance your cervical mucus is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water can help your body produce fertile egg white cervical mucus which can make it easier for the sperm to swim.
Conclusion
To wrap it up, yes you can use lubricants while trying to get pregnant but make sure that you're using the right kind. Do talk to your fertility doctor about this. Thanks for reading.