When you're trying to conceive, you need more from a lubricant than merely reducing friction. You need a lube that’s gentle, safe for sperm, and similar to cervical mucus—you need a fertility-friendly lubricant. Unfortunately, many options can actually hinder your chances of conceiving by interfering with vaginal pH, slowing sperm motility, and drying out quickly. Instead, you want a lubricant that nourishes and soothes the internal vaginal space while supporting sperm on their journey toward the egg. Here’s how to find the best fertility-friendly personal lubricant.
- Why you need a fertility-friendly lubricant
- What to look for when picking a lube for TTC
- The best fertility-friendly lubricant
- Fertility lubricant red flags
Why can it be hard to find a fertility-friendly lubricant?
There are lots of products promising comfort, pleasure, and intimacy, but most aren’t designed with baby-making in mind. While nearly all lubricants are formulated to reduce friction during sex, many of them can hinder sperm movement or even kill sperm outright. Some even contain spermicides, like nonoxynol-9, which are meant to prevent pregnancy. Others have a thick consistency or include harsh chemicals that damage sperm or make it harder for them to reach the egg. For a lube that supports your pregnancy plans, it’s important to read beyond the names and flashy claims. To pick a lube that helps you conceive, you’ll need to check the ingredients, look for fertility-friendly certifications or FDA clearance, and understand how the product affects vaginal pH and sperm motility.
Can Men Take Prenatal Vitamins? →
Do you need a lubricant when trying to conceive?
Maybe you’ve never needed a lubricant before, but that can change when you're TTC. Trying to conceive often means having sex on a schedule, even when you’re tired, stressed, or not exactly in the mood. One study found that trying-to-conceive couples reported more vaginal dryness than they experienced before trying to get pregnant. Under those circumstances, natural lubrication might not be enough. That’s where personal lubricants come in: they can reduce friction, prevent microtears, and help you and your partner feel more relaxed and comfortable.
What should you look for when shopping for a fertility-friendly lubricant?
When shopping for a fertility-friendly lubricant, here are the features to look out for:
Water-based lubricant formula
Lubricants can be oil-based, silicone-based, or water-based. Oil-based and silicone-based lubes tend to be thicker and may interfere with sperm motility. They can also be harder to clean up. Water-based lubricants are thinner, gentler, and more sperm-friendly. They also closely mimic the body’s natural lubrication, making them a better choice when trying to conceive. One study compared several lubricants and found that the water-based lubricants supported sperm motility and vitality better than other types.
pH-balanced
The vagina has a naturally acidic pH, typically ranging from 3.8 to 5.0. However, sperm thrive in a slightly more neutral environment, with a pH between 7.2 and 7.8. Fertility-friendly lubricants are designed to strike a delicate balance between those two environments. Look for products labeled “pH balanced” or “isotonic,” which means they are safe for sperm without upsetting your vaginal flora.
Fertility-specific messaging
Fertility-friendly lubricants are often labeled with terms like “sperm safe,” “TTC-safe,” “non-toxic to sperm,” or “FDA cleared for conception.” While these are good indicators that the product is safe for trying to conceive, always look for third-party testing information too. These descriptions will indicate that a lubricant won’t harm sperm motility or viability, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will help it either (more on that in a sec). Also, check for “free-from” labeling. A quality fertility lube will usually say it's free from ingredients like:
- Petroleum (such as petroleum jelly)
- Parabens
- Glycerin
- Glycol
- Dyes
- Fragrances
These ingredients can irritate sensitive vaginal tissues and harm sperm.
Designed to support conception
The best fertility lubricants don’t just avoid harming sperm. They actively help them. Some are formulated to mimic fertile cervical mucus, creating an ideal environment for sperm to survive and swim. These lubricants provide the right consistency, pH, and ingredients to help sperm reach the egg and improve your chances of conception.
Bird&Be Power Play Lube covers all your fertility-friendly lube basics—and goes beyond by actually enhancing sperm motility. It’s doctor-recommended and conception-safe. Plus—not that size matters—it’s twice the size of most other fertility lubricants.
What should be avoided when shopping for a fertility-friendly lubricant?
Some lubricants hinder fertility more than others. Here’s what to steer clear of when choosing a TTC-safe lube:
Spermicidal lubricants
Avoid any product labeled as “spermicidal” or containing ingredients like nonoxynol-9. These lubricants are designed to kill sperm and are intended for people who are not trying to get pregnant.
Non-FDA-approved or cleared products
If the personal lubricant you choose is not cleared by the FDA, it may not be safe for sperm or trying to conceive (or even your overall health). FDA-cleared fertility lubricants have been rigorously tested to ensure they don’t interfere with sperm function or egg fertilization. If it’s not FDA-cleared for TTC, it’s best to skip it.
Topical pain relievers
Some lubricants contain pain-numbing agents, like lidocaine. While these can reduce discomfort, they can also numb delicate tissues, decrease pleasure, and potentially immobilize sperm. Not ideal when you’re trying to make a baby.
Allergens and irritants
If a product contains artificial fragrances, colors, or other harsh chemicals, it may irritate your vaginal lining or cause an allergic reaction. This can disrupt your natural pH and make the vaginal environment less sperm-friendly. Look for products labeled “hypoallergenic” and always read the ingredient list if you have known sensitivities.
Wherever you are on your TTC journey, a fertility-friendly lubricant designed to help conception—like Power Play—can help you get there with less friction, more ease, and a better chance of success.
