It may. There's some conflicting evidence, but a number of studies have found that vaginal lubricants can both damage sperm and interfere with their ability to travel to the uterus to fertilize an egg. This is true for many store-bought lubricants as well as for many homemade versions, such as olive oil. While the pH acidity of cervical mucus produced just before ovulation is perfect for sperm survival and movement, the pH of most lubricants isn't sperm friendly.

Try out PMC Labs and tell us what you think. Learn More. Over-the-counter vaginal lubricants have been shown to negatively affect in vitro sperm motility. The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of vaginal lubricant use during procreative intercourse on natural fertility. Women aged 30—44 years with no history of infertility who had been trying to conceive for less than 3 months completed a baseline questionnaire on vaginal lubricant use. Subsequently, women kept a diary to record menstrual bleeding, intercourse, and vaginal lubricant use and conducted standardized pregnancy testing for up to 6 months. Diary data were used to determine the fertile window and delineate lubricant use during the fertile window.

Lubricants make sex more comfortable and enjoyable, and they may be especially necessary when trying to conceive. When choosing a lubricant normally, you only need to follow a few specific requirements: no parabens and no added fragrances. But the stakes are higher when trying to conceive, says Dr.

The type of lubricant you use can make a big difference when it comes to getting pregnant. The type of lubricant you use, though, can make a difference when it comes to getting pregnant, stresses Richardson. When vaginal lubricants were originally developed, they were solely designed to provide lubrication for intercourse. In addition to avoiding lubricants that contain these ingredients, Richardson recommends using a sperm-friendly, glycerin-free, PHP-balanced, isotonic lubricant, such as Pre-Seed, made by First Response.