Consuming fertility drugs when planning a pregnancy is common. Unfortunately, some medications can cause vaginal dryness. This encourages couples to use sexual lubricants to make penetration more comfortable, but whether lubricants can prevent pregnancy is still a matter of debate.

Can Using Sexual Lubricants Complicate the Pregnancy Process?

This is still a matter of debate because the effect of sexual lubricants on the possibility of difficulty getting pregnant is still unclear. Some studies show that lubricants can damage sperm quality.

If sperm is damaged, its movement towards the egg can slow down, resulting in difficulty in fertilization. Therefore, the question arises whether it is better to avoid using sexual lubricants when planning a pregnancy.

However, keep in mind that a woman's body naturally produces lubricants. Before using additional lubricant, it is recommended to maximize natural lubricant through foreplay that is comfortable for both partners. Many women need 15 to 20 minutes of stimulation to get into a good mood before sexual intercourse. Therefore, before turning to additional lubricant products, trying this approach could be a good choice for you and your partner.

Safe Sex Lubricants

If you feel the need to use lubricant before having sex, it is recommended to choose a lubricant that has gone through clinical trials so that its safety and effectiveness for the fertilization process can be guaranteed. Generally, this product is introduced as a lubricant that is friendly to fertility.

In addition, it is recommended to choose a lubricant that contains hydroxyethylcellulose. This type of lubricant has similarities to vaginal fluids and can maintain sperm quality.

Also make sure that the lubricant you choose has a neutral acidity level (pH), which is around 7. Avoid lubricants that contain perfume, fragrance, glycerol or parabens, because apart from reducing sperm quality, this type of lubricant has the potential to cause irritation to the vagina or penis .

If you want an oil-based lubricant, baby oil can be a good choice. Most baby oils tend not to cause side effects on sperm. However, avoid using baby oil that has been mixed with fragrance or perfume.

Tips for Successfully Achieving Pregnancy

In addition to engaging in proper intimate relations practices, there are some basic suggestions that mothers-to-be who are trying to conceive can try. Some of these include:

1. Taking Prenatal Vitamins

It is recommended by obstetricians to start taking prenatal vitamins three months before starting to try to get pregnant. This vitamin plays a role in meeting micronutrient needs (vitamins and minerals), creating a healthy environment for fetal growth if pregnancy occurs.

2. Avoid Using Products in the Vaginal Area

Good bacteria in the vagina, such as Lactobacillus and Corynebacterium, can only survive in an acidic atmosphere. Therefore, maintaining the vaginal acidity (pH) level in the range of 3.5-4.5 is very important. Excessive use of vaginal cleansing products, especially inside the vagina, can create an environment that is not conducive to pregnancy.

3. Using an Ovulation Kit

Although theoretically, the fertile period or ovulation occurs on the 14th day of the menstrual cycle and can be recognized through several typical symptoms, not all women can calculate or recognize their fertile period. To be more certain, prospective mothers can use an ovulation test kit which can be purchased freely at pharmacies. Apart from providing reassurance, having sex around the time of ovulation also makes the experience more comfortable because the vagina produces more fluid during this period.

In the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, the normal release of estrogen produces abundant vaginal mucus, helping sperm reach the egg. Vaginal fluid during ovulation tends to be thin, slippery, and clear like egg white.

Using sexual lubricants can be an obstacle for women who want to get pregnant, but it is not the only cause of difficulty getting pregnant. It is important to pay attention to the health and fertility conditions of you and your partner. Have sexual intercourse during your fertile period and consistently adopt a healthy lifestyle. If after taking these steps you are still having difficulty getting pregnant, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

References:

https://www.klikdokter.com/gaya-hidup/seks/pelumas-seks-malah-bikin-susah-hamil

https://www.guesehat.com/becinta-pakai-pelumas-bikin-sulit-hamil

https://www.gooddoctor.co.id/hidup-sehat/seks/pelumas-seks-bikin-susah-hamil-sekedar-mitos-atau-fakta/