Effect of vaginal lubricants on sperm motility and chromatin integrity
By Michelle Ottey, Ph.D.
Recent Publication of Interest from Fertility and Sterility Vol. 89, No. 2, February 2008:
Effect of vaginal lubricants on sperm motility and chromatin integrity: a prospective comparative study by Ashok Agarwal, PhD et. al.
This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of commercial vaginal lubricants on sperm. Vaginal lubricants are commonly used to treat vaginal dryness and/or pain during intercourse, particularly by couples attempting to become pregnant.
There have been numerous studies over the years that have reported decreased sperm motility and overall functionality caused by commercially available lubricants. This study looked at FemGlide, Pre~Seed, Replens, and Astroglide. They evaluated both sperm motility and sperm chromatin integrity in 12-13 donors per test.
Sperm motility is the measure of the number of motile or moving cells. This measure is important because it affects the journey of the sperm through the cervix. Sperm chromatin integrity is a measure of accumulated damage to the chromosomes in the sperm affecting the ability to successfully fertilize and/or progress through development.
The study found that sperm motility was significantly decreased after 30 minutes exposure to Replens and Astroglide. FemGlide also demonstrated a decreased motility, but was not as dramatic as that observed from the other lubricants. Pre~Seed did not appear to have an effect on sperm motility when compared to control samples. FemGlide appears to be the only lubricant in this study to have a detrimental effect on sperm chromatin quality. And although they did observe some chromatin damage in samples exposed to Pre~Seed, the numbers were not statistically significant.
The authors state that they believe that Pre~Seed intimate moisturizer’s lack of negative effects on sperm motility and chromatin quality could be due to the close to physiologic pH and formulation. They believe this product may be the most effective and safe lubricant for use in treating vaginal dryness. They acknowledge that a larger scale study needs to be done to support their conclusions.
GIVF does not endorse any specific lubrication products. This post is a summary of a published study for informational purposes only.
Recent Publication of Interest from Fertility and Sterility Vol. 89, No. 2, February 2008:
Effect of vaginal lubricants on sperm motility and chromatin integrity: a prospective comparative study by Ashok Agarwal, PhD et. al.
This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of commercial vaginal lubricants on sperm. Vaginal lubricants are commonly used to treat vaginal dryness and/or pain during intercourse, particularly by couples attempting to become pregnant.
There have been numerous studies over the years that have reported decreased sperm motility and overall functionality caused by commercially available lubricants. This study looked at FemGlide, Pre~Seed, Replens, and Astroglide. They evaluated both sperm motility and sperm chromatin integrity in 12-13 donors per test.
Sperm motility is the measure of the number of motile or moving cells. This measure is important because it affects the journey of the sperm through the cervix. Sperm chromatin integrity is a measure of accumulated damage to the chromosomes in the sperm affecting the ability to successfully fertilize and/or progress through development.
The study found that sperm motility was significantly decreased after 30 minutes exposure to Replens and Astroglide. FemGlide also demonstrated a decreased motility, but was not as dramatic as that observed from the other lubricants. Pre~Seed did not appear to have an effect on sperm motility when compared to control samples. FemGlide appears to be the only lubricant in this study to have a detrimental effect on sperm chromatin quality. And although they did observe some chromatin damage in samples exposed to Pre~Seed, the numbers were not statistically significant.
The authors state that they believe that Pre~Seed intimate moisturizer’s lack of negative effects on sperm motility and chromatin quality could be due to the close to physiologic pH and formulation. They believe this product may be the most effective and safe lubricant for use in treating vaginal dryness. They acknowledge that a larger scale study needs to be done to support their conclusions.
GIVF does not endorse any specific lubrication products. This post is a summary of a published study for informational purposes only.
posted by Kathleen, Contributing Editor at
9:21 AM
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