How to Choose a Sperm-Friendly Lubricant

May 12, 20 ● 3 min

Want to incorporate a fertility-friendly lubricant into your TTC journey, but no idea where to start? We break down the important things to consider: regulations, ingredients, form factor, and price.

By Dr Kenosha Gleaton, OBGYN

Sperm-friendly lubricants (also known as fertility friendly or TTC lube) are great for couples trying to conceive. Not only do lubricants help reduce friction and make sex more pleasurable, but the right lubricant can make sure that nothing is in the way of sperm meeting egg. Finding the right pregnancy-friendly lubricant is crucial when trying to get pregnant, which is why we've formulated a convenient, pH balanced, FDA cleared TTC-friendly lube.

What is sperm-friendly fertility lubricant?

Sperm-friendly lubricants for fertility are a special class of lubricants that are cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use when trying to conceive. They go through additional tests (biocompatibility testing) to demonstrate that they do not harm sperm, eggs, or embryos.

A fertility-friendly lubricant will generally have a special formula. Its pH, osmolality, and viscosity are “balanced” for sperm health and differ from conventional lubricants. Even if a lubricant does not contain spermicide, it can harm sperm by not being properly formulated for these factors. It’s important to know that popular lubes like KY Jelly and Astroglide are not fertility friendly.

Make sure the lubricant is FDA cleared to be fertility friendly

Any personal lubricant claiming to be sperm-friendly lubricant must be regulated and cleared by the FDA as a class 2 medical device. This means the lube has been extensively tested to be compatible with sperm, oocytes, and embryos and can be used by couples trying to conceive. Furthermore, lubricants cleared by the FDA are required to test each batch to ensure quality and safety. Unlike regular lubricants, fertility friendly lubricants are designed to promote optimal sperm motility and function, allowing for the optimal environment to conceive.

Look for a lubricant that is paraben free

Parabens are an ingredient used as an antimicrobial preservative agent in some products, including many commercial lubricants. They essentially act as a preservative to prolong the shelf life. However, parabens are endocrine disruptors—chemicals that can interfere with our endocrine system. When inside the body, parabens can mimic estrogen. Because of this, the European Union has banned parabens in cosmetic and beauty products. This is for good reason; preliminary evidence from a study conducted at Harvard University linked high paraben build up in the body with reduced fertility.

Parabens come in several forms. You should avoid the following ingredients: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and orisobutylparaben.

Determine the form factor that works best for you

Some fertility-friendly lubricants, like BabyDance and Pre-Seed, come with applicator plungers that you insert deep into the vagina and squeeze into the vaginal cavity. If that’s not your jam, Natalist’s The Lube comes in a convenient, 2 oz squeeze bottle that you use like any other lube.

What is the best fertility lubricant?

There are only a handful of fertility-friendly lubricants that have been cleared by the FDA, and Natalist's The Lube is one of the only options on the market that is made without parabens and is applicator free.

We developed The Lube to give women a more modern approach to baby making. We are confident that you will love our product. Our doctor-approved fertility Lube is formulated to simulate the natural environment where sperm thrive—fertile cervical mucus. Unlike other lubricants, it will not harm or slow down sperm, nor will it disrupt vaginal pH. In fact, The Lube mimics the pH of cervical mucus during ovulation. Its clean, frictionless consistency guarantees baby making will be pleasurable for all. Never worry about running out of your supply and get a monthly lube subscription today.

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Dr. Kenosha Gleaton, Medical Advisor

Dr. Kenosha Gleaton is board-certified in gynecology and obstetrics and is the Medical Advisor of Natalist. She received her MD from MUSC and completed her residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte,... Read More

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