Hey friends! Let’s talk about a topic that can sometimes be a bit awkward but is super important when it comes to fertility: lubrication. Many people don’t realize that some common lubricants used during intercourse or for sperm collection can actually be harmful to sperm. A recent study shared at a reproductive health conference shed some light on this issue by examining the effects of four popular lubricants: FemGlide, Replens, Astroglide, and Pre-Seed.
The findings were pretty eye-opening! While none of the lubricants left sperm completely unscathed, Pre-Seed stood out as the least damaging. This product is marketed as having similar osmolarity and pH to natural seminal fluid, plus it includes a plant sugar that acts as an antioxidant. Researchers from various universities, including the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio, teamed up for this study without any financial backing from the lubricant brands, which is a breath of fresh air.
Experiment Findings
In their first experiment, they tested sperm from 13 different donors, looking at how well the sperm moved after being exposed to each lubricant for 30 minutes. The results? Untreated sperm boasted a motility rate of 66%, while Pre-Seed came in at 64%. FemGlide was next at 51%, and Replens was at 25%. The worst performer, Astroglide, only allowed 2% of the sperm to swim effectively.
A second part of the study evaluated sperm DNA integrity after a four-hour exposure to the lubricants. Once again, Pre-Seed was the champion, showing only a 7% increase in DNA damage compared to untreated sperm. KY Jelly came next with 10%, and FemGlide followed with 15%. It’s worth noting that other products like KY Jelly, Vaseline, and even saliva are also thought to negatively impact sperm. Pure mineral oil is one of the least harmful options, but it’s generally not recommended for vaginal use. However, it could be a good choice for personal use.
Conclusion
We’re excited that there’s now a product out there that can make things more comfortable during intercourse while also being more sperm-friendly. For more insights on optimizing your fertility journey, check out our post on mastering sleep for your baby here. If you’re looking for more resources, be sure to visit this link for comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination. And for those diving into the journey of artificial insemination, this resource is a great place to start.
In summary, while many lubricants may harm sperm, Pre-Seed appears to be the most favorable option based on recent research. Staying informed about your choices can empower you on your journey to parenthood!