‘Sperm-friendly’ lubricants not safe for swimmers, study claims

Doctors warn that many “lubricant” products that claim to be safe for male fertility can actually harm sperm.

One study found that three lubricants marketed as ‘sperm buddies’ and sold on highways for £20 a bottle can reduce dexterity or their ability to swim in the right direction.

Despite the promotional health claims, the researchers concluded that these products “may actually interfere with normal pregnancy.”

The review also looked at two weird “natural” lubricants (olive oil and egg white) that have become popular in some corners of Internet forums.

Pre-seed, sold by Boots for £18.49 per 40g tube, reduced sperm motility.

Optilube, £19.99 per 400g on Amazon, and Yes Baby, £17.99 a 150ml bottle by Holland and Barrett, prevented sperm from moving completely.

Olive oil also suppressed the sperm’s ability to disperse, while the proteins didn’t seem to affect their performance.

However, raw eggs may contain harmful bacteria, including salmonella, and experts recommend not using them during sex.

South African researchers measured how the use of lubricants Pre-Seed, Yes Baby (left) and Optilube (right) affected a couple’s ability to have children.

Conventional lubricants have been shown to harm sperm motility as they are too acidic and may contain harmful chemicals, including parabens.

Despite being four times more expensive than the traditional product, it has resulted in increased demand for so-called “fertility friendly” lubricants.

Users of forums like Mumsnet have also advocated the use of egg whites and other household products, despite the risks.

For the latest study, published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, researchers at the University of Pretoria in South Africa tested three brands and two natural lubricants on 60 sperm samples.

Men were 18 and older and samples were collected at a fertility clinic in Midstream, Gauteng province.

The researchers used pipettes to divide the samples into six before adding 0.5 mL of each of the five lubricants, leaving a negative control sample.

Microscopic cameras were used to measure the speed and movement of sperm on the slides, using a World Health Organization (WHO) recognized score.

Two hours later, semen mixed with olive oil and Pre-Seed samples scored one – no movement – ​​and Optilube and Yes Baby scored zero – no movement.

Sperm mixed with protein had a score of two, meaning it had slow or slow progressive motility.

Meanwhile, sperm that were not treated with lubricant scored above two over the period, which was not statistically higher than protein.

After 24 hours, all three brands of oil and olive oil had a score of zero, meaning that the sperm had not moved at all.

Protein and control groups scored every 24 hours. All six samples were reduced to zero after 72 hours.

“This study is important because it highlights that these so-called sperm-compatible lubricants can actually inhibit normal pregnancy,” said lead author Johan Markram.

In recent years, women trying to get pregnant have started using more protein as a natural lubricant, and it’s labeled on bulletin boards as an aid to pregnancy.

Experts say it has become popular because the type of vaginal mucus produced by the body during ovulation has the same name – protein mucus – which can confuse people when doing their own research.