Posting to the thread about the painful intercourse got me thinking about a problem my wife and I currently face, and maybe a doctor on this board can answer (or anyone else with the experience)
My wife generally has inflammed vaginal tissue and does not produce sufficient natural lubricant, making sex without artifical lubricants difficult and painful for her. We are currently trying to get pregnant, and my wife tells me she does not want to use lubricants and that the doctor recommends against it, but when pressed, she cannot give me the reason why. Keep in mind this is ONLY a water-based lubricant with NO spermicide (ala Astroglide). The only other facts I can give you is that she does not ovulate regularly and we are currently using Clomid to get that going in conjunction with Provera. My sperm tests normal in terms of motility. I ask only because sex is difficult and unpleasant for her without the lubricant, and IMHO, she either misheard or is making up the ‘no lubricant’ rule which is ultimately making sex painful and unpleasant for her for no reason. I think she is afraid my sperm is somehow going to be ‘diluted out’ by the lubricant and prevent pregnancy.
So does anyone know? Is non-spermicidal lubricant actually not a good idea if you are trying to get pregnant? Wouldn’t saliva from oral sex/ foreplay cause pretty much the same ‘diluting effect’ if there is one, and possibly kill even MORE sperm because of the various enzymes?
I do not see why a lubricant would have any kind of effect… but I am not a specialist nor do I have encountered the problem.
I was just thinking, might sound a little stupid (!), but did you try to look at the lubricant and search for directions on the box or something. I figured they would tell you if it was known for “diluting” sperm or something like that, warning people trying to get pregnant not to use it. If they do not give too much explanation you should try to find a web site for the product. Good luck!
Yep, in general lubricant is not recommended if one is trying to conceive. IIRC it is to do with the motility of the sperm. I don’t know about spit and whether it has a similar effect. The lubricant doesn’t kill sperm, it just interferes with the sperm moving up to where it needs to be. I’m certain your wife is not ‘making it up’.
Now whether or not this applies to your specific case is an unknown. I’d ring and ask the doctor what he recommends and why. Or ring the astroglide manufacturers or ask a pharmacist whether waterbased lubricant does this.
Well, don’t laugh, and it’s kind of messy, but it is perfectly possible to use just plain “water” as a lubricant. How can I put this? “Dip your wick before you dip your wick”? It’s not as slippery as the commercial lubricants, so it doesn’t work as well, but it’s better than nothing, it’s 100% all-natural, and it’s guaranteed not to interfere with sperm motility.
A coffee mug filled with warm water at bedside (or a Slurpee 32 oz. Super Size, depending on your size requirements)?
I’m guessing she either mis-heard the doc, or misunderstood what he was saying. If she’s worried about it interfering with sperm motility, just put a little bit right at the entrance to her vagina–don’t try to spread it around all up in there, by the cervix, which is where you’ll be making a deposit. Or else apply a thin coating directly to you. That shouldn’t interfere with the little wigglers.
Human saliva has powerful enzymes (it’s a better blood dissolver/remover than most detergents). Would copius use of saliva really be OK for the little protein packets that are sperm? Don’t know. Just curious.
Here’s one vote from the receiving end for “lubricate the entrance and don’t worry about getting the lube all the way down.”
Worked just fine from the standpoint of “ow! ow! oh…ooooh! yeah!” although I can’t speak for any pregnancy possibilities. Besides, if she’s not walking funny the next day, you might get to do it again the next night. More sex, more chances.
If you want the absolute lowdown on how to get pregnant, I hear Terry Wechsler’s book “Taking Charge of Your Fertility” is the one to have. Since she addresses the use of Robitussin of all things (orally, not vaginally) for improving on your chances, I’ll bet she covers lubricants too.
I can’t (offhand) see how a non-spermicidal lubricant would detract from things.
I don’t know the age of people who read these boards but I just want to add to this topic that although everyone agrees that lubircant might hinder the chances of getting pregnant, it does not prevent pregnancy or even STDs.
I now YOU knew that, just making sure the kids are aware
It’s not as slippery as the commercial lubricants, so it doesn’t work as well, but it’s better than nothing, it’s 100% all-natural, and it’s guaranteed not to interfere with sperm motility.
