[Luscinda]

Hello everyone,

I would like to ask you if you, or somebody you know, ever got pregnant using vaginal lubricants. As you know, lupus (or Sjogren's) can cause vaginal dryness, for which I normally use vaginal lubricants. I have been trying to conceive (TTC) for a while now and, having read that artificial vaginal lubricants may harm the sperm, I was wondering if any of my lupus buddies got pregnant while using them. I'm just asking because I fear I am (unknowingly) sabotaging my efforts to TTC.

I asked my GP about it and she said all this was nonsense, but what if...?

Thanks for reading this and stay well,

Luscinda

 

[Clare.T]

Hello Luscinda
No personal experience here, but I wonder why your GP thinks she's such an expert in the matter to dismiss it out of hand. You've probable googled the topic and can see there have been studies done that produced evidence that they can destroy sperm. There's a WebMD article on the topic. Some sites were clearly promoting the best performer on the studies, called something Seed maybe it was Pro-seed, cute pun.
Have you been referred to a fertility advisor yet?
In your place, I would start using the Pro-Seed and also ask for expert advice on all the issues.
I am not sure but I think that Marie Stopes clinics might have experts if you can't get to see someone on NHS.

Maybe some of the specialist web sites would give you a info and better personal advice. Dryness is a common problem without having Sjogren's or any medical reason for it.
I am not sure that the number of people you will hear from here could provide sufficient evidence, although of course there might be someone who has special info and expertise in this area

Wishing you good luck

Clare

 

[Maia]

You can get pregnant while using lubricants - even ones that aren't specially designed to be sperm friendly I don't think the effect on sperm is that large that it can in any way be considered as truly impairing fertility. If, over time, you have difficulty getting pregnant then you may want to consider switching lubricants to one recommended by studies on the topic or one a good doctor recommends. You will also want to limit NSAID use while trying to conceive as that probably has a much bigger effect against getting pregnant than lubricant use does.

Good luck - hope we get happy news soon!

 

[Luscinda]

Thanks Clare and Maia for your replies.

We've tried Pro-seed with no success. It is very expensive comparing with other vaginal lubricants, so we stopped it. Next time I see the consultant at the fertility clinic, I'll ask about this issue and about sperm-friendly lubricants.

I didn't know NSAID could diminish your chances of getting pregnant, Maia. However, I very rarely take them now as -thank goodness - my lupus is much better.

I'll continue investigating the subject and as soon as I know anything I'll post it here, as it may help other women in my position.

Thanks again for everything. Big hug,

Luscinda

 

[Jen79]

I have read a lot of studies that a lot of lubricates aren't sperm friendly and I have been having trouble trying to have a child and recently purchased Pre- Seed which i read that it is sperm friendly and has a lot of good recommendations about it. I don't know how well it works yet but a lot of the lubricates are not recommended for people that have trouble getting pregnant . Usually for normal couples in their 20's it can take up to a yr to conceive as one gets older if you haven't conceived in 6 months the doctors recommended getting evaluated to make sure everything is alright. Keep me updated on how you are doing because I am in the same situation.

JEN

 

[Luscinda]

Hi Jen,

I will post here whatever I find out about this issue next time I see the consultant, in 3 weeks. Take care!!

 

[LeahPhinn]

The only lubricant I know of is the Pre-Seed. It is a little pricey, but it worked for me in the end. I was also on clomid because I have issues with ovulation, and that too dries out the cervical mucous. Guess you should find out what works for you.

~Leah

 

[Luscinda]

Hi,

Just an update for those who were interested in the subject...

We were assured by the specialist that normal lubricants are OK, that they shouldn´t affect the sperm.