Hey ladys I don't know if you were all aware of this I never had a clue, maybe this is where i have been going wrong. am def going to get pre seed now
How Do Lubricants Damage Sperm
The reason for sperm damage from most products can be seen when data on product pH and osmolarity are compared as in the table 1 below.
The optimum pH value for sperm migration and survival in the cervical mucus is between 7.1 and 8.5 (according to the World Health Organization Manual 4th edition, 2000). Sperm are very sensitive to low (acidic) pH and, to a lesser extent, elevated (alkaline) pH. Below pH levels of 6.9, sperm die at a rate that increases with lowering pH.
Sperm are also sensitive to both high and low osmolarities (ion concentration in solution) because these can cause them to either shrink or swell beyond their "critical volume limits". A physiologic osmolarity between 260-360 mOsm/kg (that of semen) is best for sperm function.
Usually ingredients like glycerin or propylene glycol (in most lubricants), are what result in these high osmolarities. If any glycols or mineral oils are in the lubricant you are using, you can pretty much assume the formula will be damaging to sperm.
Water also kills sperm on contact because it has no salt solution. Some people will tell you to use a little warm water--- dont!
Likewise, saliva has digestive enzymes in it that stop sperm from swimming on contactnot so good if you want them to reach the egg!
Even mineral oil which some doctors recommend, has been shown to limit the ability of sperm to penetrate eggs in laboratory studies (likely due to the high osmolarity as shown in the Table).
Table 1: pH and Osmolarities for Popular Vaginal Lubricants
Product
pH Osmolarity (mOsm/kg)
Too Low Physiologic for sperm Too High Too Low Physiologic for sperm Too High
KY Jelly 4.52 2601
Sylk 4.50 1092
Replens 2.79 2610
Astroglide 3.45 5848
Preseed 7.30 324
Egg White 8.95 238
Saliva 151
Tap Water 8.01 98
Mineral Oil 10.50 1735
Baby Oil 7.16 >1000
Other lubricants can create a barrier that interferes with sperm swimming out of the semen.
How Do Lubricants Damage Sperm
The reason for sperm damage from most products can be seen when data on product pH and osmolarity are compared as in the table 1 below.
The optimum pH value for sperm migration and survival in the cervical mucus is between 7.1 and 8.5 (according to the World Health Organization Manual 4th edition, 2000). Sperm are very sensitive to low (acidic) pH and, to a lesser extent, elevated (alkaline) pH. Below pH levels of 6.9, sperm die at a rate that increases with lowering pH.
Sperm are also sensitive to both high and low osmolarities (ion concentration in solution) because these can cause them to either shrink or swell beyond their "critical volume limits". A physiologic osmolarity between 260-360 mOsm/kg (that of semen) is best for sperm function.
Usually ingredients like glycerin or propylene glycol (in most lubricants), are what result in these high osmolarities. If any glycols or mineral oils are in the lubricant you are using, you can pretty much assume the formula will be damaging to sperm.
Water also kills sperm on contact because it has no salt solution. Some people will tell you to use a little warm water--- dont!
Likewise, saliva has digestive enzymes in it that stop sperm from swimming on contactnot so good if you want them to reach the egg!
Even mineral oil which some doctors recommend, has been shown to limit the ability of sperm to penetrate eggs in laboratory studies (likely due to the high osmolarity as shown in the Table).
Table 1: pH and Osmolarities for Popular Vaginal Lubricants
Product
pH Osmolarity (mOsm/kg)
Too Low Physiologic for sperm Too High Too Low Physiologic for sperm Too High
KY Jelly 4.52 2601
Sylk 4.50 1092
Replens 2.79 2610
Astroglide 3.45 5848
Preseed 7.30 324
Egg White 8.95 238
Saliva 151
Tap Water 8.01 98
Mineral Oil 10.50 1735
Baby Oil 7.16 >1000
Other lubricants can create a barrier that interferes with sperm swimming out of the semen.
best of luck ladies
