The new lube

I was reading an article on WebMD on "8 Ways to Boost Your Fertility." It had some things that a newbie to TTC would find helpful, but for those like me who have already dug into the IVF trenches might not find that helpful. However, #7 was very interesting. See below:

7. His & Her Fertility Booster: Check That Lubricant

With more frequent intercourse, couples may turn more to vaginal lubricants. That's OK, doctors concur, if the lubes are picked wisely.

According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, some lubricants can actually decrease fertility. That's because some have spermicides.

What to use? "Canola oil," says Gibbons.

"Even peanut oil is good," says McClure. It's crucial, he says, to avoid lubricant with spermicidal agents.

Impromptu household lubes may not be good either, he says. "I had a patient yesterday with a great [sperm] count and no motility [swimming ability]," McClure says. When he asked a few more questions, he got the root of the problem. "He was using soap for a lubricant." So he informed the patient, "Soap killed the sperm."

You also want to avoid commercially available water-based lubricants. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, commercially available water-based lubricants, such as Astroglide, KY Jelly, and Touch may inhibit sperm motility by 60% to 100% within 60 minutes of incubation. Canola oil, however, did not have the same effect.

The studies comparing lubricants have been published over the years in a variety of journals, including Human Reproduction and Fertility and Sterility.

We used to use PreSeed, but have ran out of it. We sometimes will use an oil based lube from Kama Sutra (sp?) but have been concerned if it was keeping the little guys from getting where they need to be. Plus it's expensive, close to $20 for a little 4 ounce bottle (though it tastes good).

Maybe I'll just keep me a little bottle of Kroger's canola oil by the bed for future use.