The Best Fertility Lubes for Trying to Conceive

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If you are at the stage of your life where you’re actively trying to get pregnant, you’re probably already knee-deep in research about the optimal conditions. You already have an app or a little notebook tracking your ovulation, you’ve had a chat with your doctor and your partner — but are you missing anything?

We all know that a sexual encounter is always made better with a little bit of extra lubricant loving. But did you know there are specific lubricants designed to support your fertility and pregnancy goals?

“When trying to conceive, it is extremely important if you are using lubricants that they are fertility friendly,” Becca Romero, a Clinical Nutritionist and Fertility Specialist at Little Life Nutrition tells SheKnows. “There are some ingredients in commonly used lubes that can block the sperm’s ability to swim to meet the egg. While cervical fluid produced by the woman in her fertile window is magical natural fertility friendly lube, sometimes more assistance is needed.”

There are a few things that go into an optimal fertility lube, Romero explains, and that consumers will definitely want to look out for these features while stocking their bedside tables: Optimal pH, silicone, glycerin and paraben-free and FDA-approved.

“When looking for a fertility-friendly lubricant, I recommend keeping the following things in mind: Steer clear of lubricants containing harsh chemicals, spermicides, or anything that may be harmful to sperm, such as glycerol/glycerin and parabens,” Melissa Cook, an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist and writer at FunwithFeet tells SheKnows. “Instead, look for products containing hydroxyethylcellulose, which has been proven to be sperm-safe. Also, opt for a lubricant with a pH between 7.0 and 8.5 and an osmolality that’s similar to your body’s fluids. This will help maintain sperm viability and motility.”

She adds that the vaginal pH is “typically more acidic between 4 and 5.5 — this is beneficial for vaginal protection! It helps prevent harmful bacteria and infections. However, during ovulation the vaginal pH becomes more alkaline (between 7 and 10) to support sperm survival.”

Read on for a few fertility lubes that may be helpful on your journey getting pregnant.

“Fertility-friendly lubricants aim to mimic natural cervical mucus, which creates the ideal environment for sperm to thrive and move,” as Cook explains.”These types of lubricants are typically water-based, pH-balanced, and isotonic, meaning they share a similar concentration of dissolved particles as the body’s cells. This, in turn, helps to protect sperm cells and maintain their motility, increasing your chances of conception.”