We get a lot of great questions at Béa and we’re here to help support you and provide the answers that may otherwise be hard to find (even amazing Google detectives can struggle at times)! Recently we’ve had a few questions surrounding lubricant. Whether it needs to be used with the Béa Treatment, what ingredients to look out for, and what the difference is between non-spermicidal and sperm-friendly lubricant. This article will explore all of this, a lubricant (lubricated?) deepdive, if you will. Let’s go.
Do you need to use lubricant with the Béa Treatment?
It’s safe to use lubricant with the Béa Treatment, but you don’t need to. The top of the Applicator has rounded edges for smooth insertion, some find it more comfortable to have a little lube to help! In terms of what lubricant to use, we caution that non-spermicidal is not the same as sperm friendly (even though it would be easy to assume it means the same thing). Here are some of the more important things to consider when using lubricant when trying to conceive.
Is non-spermicidal lube the same as sperm-friendly lube?
Unfortunately no! If lubricants do not contain chemical spermicides (spermicide, literal definition “sperm killing”), then they are often labelled nonspermicidal. However, that does not ensure that the lubricant won’t impair sperm function. In fact, many nonspermicidal lubricants contain ingredients or have a pH that can decrease sperm motility - which isn’t helpful when you want them to swim towards an egg.
What ingredients should you avoid?
Ideally, you would want a lube that is pH balanced, that doesn't contain glycerol and that isn't scented, as these things are known to negatively impact sperm quality.
What brands of lubricant are sperm-friendly?
Here are a few lubricants that have the right ingredient to be classified as sperm friendly, and why:
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Conceive Plus is pH balanced to mimic the cervical mucus. It contains calcium and magnesium to support sperm viability.
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Pre-seed is designed to match the pH and consistency of fertile cervical mucus. It is glycerin- and scent-free.
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BabyDance is the only lubricant that doesn't contain parabens. Studies have shown it does not interfere with sperm parameters, cervical mucus penetration, or embryo development.
Can lube harm the vaginal environment?
Sperm-friendly lubricants are often mild enough to not impact the vaginal environment, but lubricants that contain glycerol have the potential to reduce the presence of lactobacillus in the vagina. Lactobacillus is part of the ever important vaginal microbiome that helps keep the pH low and prevents infections. A decrease in lactobacillus can lead to an increased risk of infection, miscarriage and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Looking for more info on better sperm health, or wanting to optimise your chances of getting pregnant? We've got you. Check out our Guide to Better Sperm Health, and our No-Nonsense Guide to Getting Pregnant
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