Fertility doctors issue warning over sperm-friendly lubricants
Products sold as fertility-friendly slow sperm down and could 'hinder' conception, shows South African study
Doctors working in fertility medicine are warning that lubricants sold as sperm-friendly may actually hinder rather than aid conception.
A South African study led by obstetrician Dr Johan Markram has assessed the effects of five lubricants — OptiLube, Pre-Seed, Yes Baby, olive oil and egg white on sperm motility.
The team found all lubricants caused significant reductions in sperm motility compared with untreated samples, with the exception of egg white.
“This study is important because it highlights that these so-called sperm-friendly lubricants may actually hinder normal conception,” said Dr Markram, of the University of Pretoria.
