Sperm-Friendly Lubricant for Conception — What to Choose

When you're trying for a baby, the lubricant matters too

Trying to conceive is an emotional and often stressful journey. Many couples do everything right — tracking ovulation, keeping to a schedule, looking after their health — yet overlook one small but important detail: ordinary lubricant can damage sperm and slow their movement.

This isn't a trivial point. If you use lubricant to make intimacy more comfortable, it's worth knowing that not all lubricants are equal when you're trying to conceive. In this guide we explain, simply and honestly, what to avoid, what to look for, and why dedicated sperm-friendly lubricants exist.

Why ordinary lubricant can be a problem

A sperm cell has to travel through cervical mucus toward the egg. That movement — motility — is crucial for conception. The problem is that most ordinary lubricants (and even saliva) can slow this movement down.

The reason lies in the ingredients. Certain common components make a lubricant's environment hostile to sperm — through the wrong acidity (pH), the wrong thickness, or directly harmful substances. The good news: these ingredients are easy to recognise once you know what to look for.

What to avoid when trying to conceive

Avoid lubricants that contain the following:

Glycerin. One of the most common culprits in ordinary lubricants — which is exactly why a glycerin-free lubricant is the safer choice in this context.

Spermicide (nonoxynol-9, or N9). This ingredient is designed to destroy sperm — the very opposite of what you want when trying to conceive. Always check that a lubricant is spermicide-free.

Oils, including coconut oil. Sometimes recommended as a "natural" lubricant, but oils can be too dense for sperm, and they also break down latex condoms. A dedicated lubricant is always better than a household oil.

Silicone-based lubricants. Silicone can be too dense for sperm to pass through.

Parabens. Preservatives that some people prefer to avoid. More and more quality lubricants today are made paraben-free.

What to look for: the signs of a sperm-friendly lubricant

Water-based. All currently FDA-cleared fertility-friendly lubricants are water-based. They're gentle, easy to clean and compatible with condoms and toys.

pH-balanced. A good sperm-friendly lubricant is formulated to mimic the natural acidity of semen and fertile cervical mucus, creating a favourable environment for sperm.

Hydroxyethylcellulose-based. This ingredient is similar in consistency to natural mucus and doesn't reduce sperm motility — exactly what health sources recommend.

Officially tested and cleared. Products labelled "sperm-friendly" or "fertility-friendly" must pass tests that ordinary lubricants are not required to undergo.

FDA-cleared fertility-friendly lubricants

As of 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared eight brands as fertility-friendly: Pre-Seed, Conceive Plus, BabyDance, Biogenesis (Good Clean Love), System JO Actively Trying, Astroglide, Pre-VA and Natalist's The Lube. If a product appears on this list, you can be confident it has passed the relevant evaluation.

An important, honest note

One thing should be stated clearly: a sperm-friendly lubricant does not increase your chances of conceiving. It is not a fertility treatment.

What it does is simpler but still valuable: it doesn't get in sperm's way, whereas ordinary lubricant can. So if you're going to use lubricant anyway, it makes sense to choose one that doesn't work against your goal. If you have fertility concerns, always consult your doctor or gynaecologist — this guide is general information, not medical advice.

Our recommendation: System JO Actively Trying

In our range you'll find System JO Actively Trying — one of the validated products from the FDA list above, designed specifically for couples trying to conceive.

What makes it a suitable choice:

• Water-based and silky-smooth, with a comfortable glide
• pH-balanced formula that creates a favourable environment for sperm
• Hydroxyethylcellulose-based — gentle and close to natural
• Paraben-free
• Optimised with sperm motility in mind, and tested accordingly
• FDA licensed and ISO certified, made in the USA
• Size: 120 ml

Unlike ordinary lubricant, Actively Trying is specially developed and tested to work alongside your goal — while keeping intimacy and a natural feel.

View the product in our store →

Practical tips

• Use as much lubricant as you need — comfort and closeness matter too.
• You can use it any time, not only around ovulation.
• Store it as directed and always check the packaging for ingredients and usage information.
• If you use a condom at any point in your cycle, remember water-based lube is latex-safe, while oil-based products are not.

This article is general information and does not replace medical advice. For fertility concerns, consult your doctor or gynaecologist.