Have you ever read about a lubricant “facilitates sperm motility”? A South African study carried out at the University of Pretoria and published last March in the International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, looked into these claims and the real effect of lubricant products on male fertility. Spoiler: This is false advertising!
This type of lubricant is called “sperm friendly”, in this case, the researchers studied three brands: Optilube, Pre-Seed, Yes Baby. In comparison, they observed the sperm in contact with natural lubricants, such as olive oil and egg white.
Even olive oil is not recommended
A total of 60 seeds were collected through a fertility clinic and exposed to these different products. The spermatozoa were observed regularly from 2 hours after contact with the lubricant and up to 72 hours, they then compared their mobility according to the criteria established by the World Health Organization.
They realized that all these lubricants significantly slowed the progression of spermatozoa. The worst lube was Yes Baby, the least crippling was Pre-Seed. But all hinder mobility, and have in fact been deemed untrue by scientists, according to the index taken at 24h. This is also the case for olive oil, the researchers point out! Finally, according to the study the only truly sperm friendly option for couples looking to conceive is egg whitesthey conclude.
Source : Sperm-friendly lubricant: Fact or fiction, International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, March 23, 2022.
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