It's always easier (and much more comfortable) to get wild when you're wet-and vice versa, too. But when you're trying to conceive, you're better off sticking with nature's lube-your own vaginal secretions. Most experts agree that lubricants-particularly oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline or massage oils-not only meddle with your cervical mucus, preventing it from doing its job optimally, but can also alter the pH in your vaginal tract, causing it to be extra inhospitable to sperm.
Some types of lubricants can even be toxic for sperm, killing them off before they can get started (and believe it or not, another natural lubricant-saliva-falls into the sperm-killer category). Water-based lubricants aren't green-lighted during preconception time either (even though they're the most doctor-recommended lubes at other times during a woman's sex life). Also off the bedside table: homemade or kitchen-found lubricants (such as olive oil or egg whites).
Some fertility specialists concede that a small amount of water-based lubricants (the size of a dime) won't hurt sperm or your conception chances. But if you can live (and make love) without it, it's probably best to lay off the K-Y until baby's on board (at which point you might not be needing any help in the lubrication department-pregnancy hormones typically turn on the secretions faucet).
There are brands of lubricant that claim to be sperm friendly. According to the manufacturers, these lubricants mimic cervical mucus and have the same pH as sperm, helping them feel at home in the vagina. Anecdotally, many women who needed lubrication because of dryness say they conceived using these sperm-friendly lubricants.
If TTC has made lovemaking feel like a chore, try putting some pleasure back into the work of procreation. Spending more time (or at least some time) on foreplay before getting the deed done can pay off big time-and get your juices flowing again naturally. For tips on heating things up while trying to conceive.
Beth Carrigan
http://www.MakingABaby.net
