How to use a fertility lubricant properly?

When you're trying to conceive, every detail counts, and sometimes you don't think about lubricant. However, some products we use reflexively can, without us knowing it, harm fertility. Fortunately, there are lubricants specially designed to respect sperm's natural environment and promote their mobility.

If you're in the middle of trying for a baby, we'll explain how to use a fertility lubricant properly, when to apply it, how to choose the right product, and most importantly, how to gently integrate it into your daily life.

No cold medical talk here, just concrete, caring advice, designed to help you in this wonderful adventure ❤️

Why use a fertility lubricant?

When we talk about fertility, we instinctively think of diet, cycles, stress... but rarely of lubricant. However, intimate lubrication plays an important role during intercourse. In cases of vaginal dryness (related to stress, a drop in hormones, or simply at a certain point in the cycle), using a lubricant can make intercourse more enjoyable—but not just any lubricant.

Conventional lubricants, even the mildest, can impair sperm motility, slow them down, or create an environment too acidic for their survival. In other words, they can unintentionally complicate conception.

This is why it is important to choose “fertility friendly” lubricants :

• Their pH is close to that of fertile cervical mucus (between 7 and 8), unlike conventional lubricants which are often more acidic.

• Their osmolarity is adapted to that of bodily fluids, to avoid damaging spermatozoa.

• Their texture is designed so as not to hinder the progression of spermatozoa.

• They do not contain parabens, spermicidal agents or substances potentially toxic to fertility.

Some in vitro studies have also shown that sperm lose up to 90% of their mobility after exposure to certain incompatible lubricants.

In short, a fertility lubricant helps improve the comfort of intercourse while respecting the sperm's journey to the egg. A little help when you're trying to conceive!

When to use it to promote pregnancy?

To maximize your chances of conceiving, it's best to use it during your fertile window. This is the most opportune time to get pregnant .

Typically, this window begins 4 to 5 days before ovulation and ends about 24 hours after. Why? Because sperm can survive for several days in the vagina and fallopian tubes, but the egg only lives for 12 to 24 hours. So, timing is crucial.

To identify this period, you can:

• Use a cycle tracking app,

• Observe the fertile cervical mucus, which becomes more abundant, clear and elastic (like egg white),

• Use urine ovulation tests,

• Or track your basal temperature if you are familiar with the sympto-thermal method.

It is during this window that the use of fertility lubricant takes on its full meaning: it accompanies the spermatozoa in an environment conducive to their progression.

How to apply a fertility lubricant?

Don't panic: here, nothing very different from a classic lubricant, except for a few tips to optimize its use!

Internal application (with applicator)

Some fertility lubricants, like Fertilily or Conceive Plus, come with a small applicator. This is a great option if you want to closely mimic the consistency and placement of cervical mucus.

• Fill the applicator with a small dose of lubricant,

• Gently insert it into the vagina,

• Apply the lubricant a few minutes before intercourse (5 to 15 minutes).

In external application

You can also apply it:

• Directly on the vulva,

• On your partner's penis,

• Or on both.

The goal is to facilitate penetration and ensure good distribution of the lubricant during intercourse.

Practical advice

• A small amount is enough: there is no need to use too much, as this could hinder the passage of sperm.

• Wash your hands thoroughly before handling.

• Store the product at room temperature, in a dry place, away from heat.

Not sure which brand to buy? Check out our comparison of fertility-friendly lubricants to help you make the right choice!

Mistakes to avoid

To give yourself the best chance of getting pregnant, there are a few mistakes to avoid.

Overdo it

You might think that "the more, the better," but not here. Too much lubricant can create a barrier or slow sperm down. A little goes a long way, especially if it's well-placed.

Use it outside the fertile window (if you are aiming for pregnancy)

You can use it for comfort, of course, but if the goal is truly to conceive, consider saving it for your fertile window—the few days around ovulation. This is when its use has the most impact.