Vaginal lubricants in the couple trying-to-conceive: assessing healthcare professional recommendations and effect on in vitro sperm function

Abstract

Tel: 07453 270117 Scott Carl Mackenzie is a medical student at the University of Dundee. Word Count: 2278 Vaginal lubricants in the couple trying-to-conceive: assessing healthcare professional recommendations and effect on in vitro sperm motility. Abstract Vaginal lubricants are commonly used by couples trying-to-conceive. However, most vaginal lubricants are sperm toxic and therefore should not be used by couples trying-to-conceive. Despite this, lubricant sperm toxicity is insufficiently reported and guidance for healthcare professionals (HCPs) are absent. In this study, lubricantrelated practices of fertility-based HCPs in Scotland were sampled via an online survey. Lubricants identified as being utilised in the fertility setting were subsequently incubated with prepared sperm samples to establish effects on sperm motility. HCP recommendations (n=32) on lubricant use were varied although knowledge related to sperm toxicity was generally poor. HCPs infrequently asked about lubricant use and were unaware of guidance in this area. Aquagel, the only prescribed lubricant identified in this study, reduced sperm progressive motility to 49% of control after 10 minutes, even at concentrations as low as 5%. Vitality testing suggested the deterioration in progressive motility with Aquagel was not as a result of cell death. Conversely, Pré Vaginal Lubricant, a 'sperm-safe' lubricant, did not significantly affect any markers of sperm function assessed. Development of clinical guidance in this area is recommended to ensure HCPs deliver informed advice as lubricant use in couples trying-to-conceive may inadvertently contribute to delay in conception.

The current status and future of andrology: A consensus report from the Cairo workshop group

“…2.3.1.10 Lubricants Although commonly available, studies have demonstrated most vaginal lubricants to be detrimental to spermatozoa in vitro(Mowat et al 2014;Sandhu, et al 2014;Wilson et al 2017). Their impact on fertility and natural conception is unclear at best(Steiner et al 2012), however the use of vaginal lubricants during intercourse should not be recommended for couples with infertility unless they are able to be deemed 'Sperm safe'Mackenzie & Gellatly 2019).…”

How to Optimize Conception: Timing is everything!

“…Yes and no. While no specific type of diet has reliably shown to affect fecundability, patients with a normal body mass index (BMI) are shown to have increased fecundability and a decrease in pregnancy complications [2,23].…”