NOTE: This post is part of a series that I wrote in secret during the months before I announced my pregnancy. The series chronicles my pregnancy journey: from weaning off my RA meds, to trying to conceive, to searching for helpful advice and information, to discovering I was pregnant, to the ups and downs of my first trimester. You can read all the posts in this series here.
This Post Written July 1, 2011
TMI Warning: This post contains details about sex and trying to get pregnant that you may consider to be too much information. Don't say I didn't warn you!
In articles about how to improve your sex life with RA (and articles about how to improve your sex life in general) one piece of advice that is given regularly is to incorporate the use of lube. I personally think it's good advice. Lube does make things a lot easier - allowing you to focus your attention on overcoming other hurdles, such as joint pain or fatigue and, of course, enjoying yourself.
Except if you are trying to conceive. This is a very important piece of information that I just stumbled upon, and I can't seem to figure out why it isn't mentioned in articles recommending the use of lube.
Because here is the truth about lube: it can actually reduce your chances of getting pregnant. Apparently, most types of lube slow sperm down, making it more likely to die before reaching the egg and, thus, making you less likely to end up pregnant. Here are some reputable sources that agree: The Bump, Baby Center, Baby Hopes and MedicineNet.
Luckily, for those of us who already have enough hurdles to overcome in trying to conceive, there appears to be a "fertility friendly" lubricant out there: Pre-seed (worst name ever? Possibly.) They claim that Pre-seed "mimics natural body secretions to relieve vaginal dryness while providing an optimal sperm environment."
Personally, I think it's worth a try. With all the complications presented by my RA, figuring out how to even have sex in the first place can be difficult enough. I don't need anything reducing my chances of getting pregnant! So we're going to try Pre-seed. And I guess only time will tell if it helps!
2 comments:
Definitely the worst name ever. I've never heard of lubricant slowing sperm down. Interesting. 4 kids later I don't think it's a problem for us. :)
STEPHANIE: I'm sure it isn't always the case - and I'm glad it wasn't for you - but if you are having trouble getting pregnant most sources seem to agree that you should skip the lube or go with Pre-Seed. I was just surprised that it wasn't mentioned in articles that recommend the use of lube. It surprised me to learn, which is why I thought it would be useful to point out to folks trying to conceive. Obviously the Pre-Seed (worst name ever) worked out pretty well for us!
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