Lubricants and Fertility: Can KY Jelly Affect Pregnancy?

Question
Hi there. I was wondering if you can tell me if using a lubricant like KY sensitive Jelly can hurt your chances of getting pregnant. My husband and I just started using it a few months ago and we have been trying to concieve. I just read online that it can be toxic to sperm. Does this mean that you cannot get pregnant at all while using the lubricant or that it just lowers your chances? We will stop using it if we don't get pregnant this month. Thank you

Answer
Hello Jenny from the U.S. (New York),

The rule of thumb is that lubricants like KY can interfere with sperm mobility and therefore to pregnancy.  Some lubricant can kill sperm but it depends completely on the formulation.  Johnson and Johnson does make a version that is compatible with attempting pregnancy.  There are other companies that do as well.  You have to look specifically for a lubricant that states that it is compatible with trying for pregnancy.

Good Luck,

Dr. Edward J. Ramirez, M.D., FACOG
Executive Medical Director
The Fertility and Gynecology Center
Monterey Bay IVF Program
www.montereybayivf.com

Monterey, California, U.S.A.

for additional information check out my blog at http://womenshealthandfertility.blogspot.com check me out on twitter with me at @montereybayivf and facebook @montereybayivf