I am lucky to have a good group of girl friends who unabashedly share all when it comes to conversations about sex, fertility woes, and relationship challenges. So, when one of the more outspoken women in the group proclaimed that she had found the key to improving your sex life the discussion was lively and entertaining as well as good insight into a relationship that we all learned was very physically fulfilling. She told each of us to go out and purchase lubricant and use it often. Fertility experts, however, disagree.
Research has found that some lubricants on the market are detrimental to sperm, and that some products can even act as a spermicide. Lubricants also have a negative affect on cervical mucus and can prevent the sperm from reacting as it should with the mucus at the time of ovulation. Almost all lubricants on the market are warned against, and “homemade” products like oils or egg whites are also thought to be counter-productive. The problem is that infertility inherently contributes to issues with lubrication – sex on demand, anxiety, and stress can all make natural lubrication more difficult and many women need a little help.
When trying to find a solution almost everything is warned against – including saliva or water. One product, though, is touted as being safe for women trying to conceive. Pre~Seed claims to be a “fertility friendly intimate moisturizer” and is generally considered safe to use if needed. I have heard success stories from women who sing the praises of this and similar products and certainly do not recommend against its use. I do, however, think that for alot of women additional lubrication is not necessary and stopping its use altogether while trying to conceive will not be difficult. If nothing else, use the opportunity to tell your partner how important foreplay is at this time and reiterate your need for natural lubrication to aid in conception. You never know, you might just get lucky and sex on demand because it is the right time of the month could become sex at your demand because you are getting lots of fertility boosting foreplay!
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October 16th, 2009 at 9:40 am
There is a reason why some of us need more lubricant. Our body is telling us something. Other than finding something outside that helps temporarily, would it help if we look at our lives and see how we can make adjustments so that the issue at hand actually resolves?
If we resolve it, we are helping the body to heal, rather than letting the imbalance stay and deteriorate.
November 3rd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Talk to your OB/GYN and ask for some Estrace in a tube. Estrace is a natural estradiol that can be used as a lubricant for sex without harm to the mucus and it will not have a negative effect on the sperm. As stated above most women begin to need lubricant because their body is trying to tell them something. This could be an early sign of peri-menopause. It can effect women as early as their mid 20’s.
November 7th, 2009 at 4:16 am
This is some good information. I think lubricants should be avoided too if possible.