Let’s talk conception and lube! Share your experiences and thoughts with Balance Activ and you could win a Cambridge Satchel full of Balance Activ products (worth £250) NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

Balance Activ want to hear Mumsnetters' thoughts and experiences about using lube when TTCing.

Here's what Balance Activ have to say, "We conducted a survey of 2,000 women across the UK and we discovered....

~ 46% of women trying to conceive experience pain during or after intercourse due to vaginal dryness
~ Normal off-the-shelf lubricants are spermicidal yet 25% of those trying to conceive are using lubricants that are as toxic to sperm as contraceptive jellies"

Balance Activ are promoting their new sperm-friendly lubricant developed specifically for couples trying to conceive - giving a boost to sperm motility, helping create the right environment for sperm to survive as well as providing lubrication which is sometimes needed.

They say "The vagina can be a harsh environment for sperm to survive because its pH level is 4.5, in contrast to semen which is between 7-8. Balance Activ Conceive Fertility Gel and Spray has a pH level of 7, creating the ideal environment for sperm to survive. Both products also benefit from a key ingredient – Hyaluronic Acid (HA) which is naturally present in the vagina and cervical fluid, which allows the sperm to move more easily towards the egg. It is safe, natural, odourless and non-sticky, designed to help couples trying to conceive."

They'd love to hear your thoughts, opinions and experiences of using a lubricant during conception and how it can help. As well as any experiences of using regular lubes when TTCing. Where do you get advice on this topic from? And have you heard or read about any issues with jellies or lube when TTCing?

Every MNer who adds a comment to this thread will be entered into the prize draw to win a Cambridge satchel full of Balance Activ product (worth £250)!

They also have 30 free samples of Balance Activ Fertility Spray to give away. Winners will be chosen at random from all comments placed before 16/12/13.

Thanks MNHQ

[bluerose84]

We've used durex lube on & off throughout trying to conceive & it hasn't helped us yet. I've looked at products that have been suggested on MN but was shocked at the cost involved. If nature doesn't take it's course though I may have to 'invest' in the sperm friendly products & see if that helps us on our TTC journey.

[wafflesandpeas]

I have been TTC for 2 and a half months, not sure whether I like the idea of a lube, seems like it might kill the mood a bit. But I might think about it if nothing happens in the next few months.

[rootypig]

I find this interesting as I have never, ever seen this discussed anywhere. Which is unusual these days.

I didn't give it much thought when TTC, the lube we usually use is KY, I didn't investigate whether it's a help or hindrance to sperm but didn't use it when TTC on instinct. I suppose we made TTC sex as 'vanilla' as possible ? We were lucky to conceive quickly so didn't look at aids beyond conception vitamins for me.

It's an interesting idea - as a total ignoramus I'd like to see the assertions about pH and whatnot backed up by some linical endorsement - otherwise I'd probably err on the side of thinking it's loreal style made up 'science'

[Littlemissexpecting]

We regularly use lube. Used conceive plus when ttc. I don't feel there is enough info on different types tbh, and they are expensive but when your desperate for the bfp I suppose you will try anything. The easier to use the better imo.

[SoMuchFruit]

The next step for us while TTC#2 is OPK's and some sort of lube. I don't have loads of EWCM and I think that may be an issue. I was looking at usi ng Pre-Seed/Concieve Plus/this product.

Price of all of the 'Sperm Friendly' lubes is but I know that HA is an expensive ingredient. Interested in the use of HA. We use it in a totally different form, a product called Legend, for horses.

Bit weirded out that I'd be putting a constituent of synovial fluid in my foof... it is harmless though and at least you've SAID what's in yours. The others don't.. which is what has put me off so far.

[Pickofthedocs]

Used pre seed when ttc DS. Now mixing between that and others for ttc again without much success so far. Not sure if something else going on or these feel slightly stinging externally. I seem to get sore and almost like thrush in second half of cycle esp before, makes it quite quite unromantic. May try balance active again, it's been a while.

[SolomanDaisy]

We had fertility issues and I read a lot about people using preseed at the time. We didn't as I have lots of ewcm, so it seemed unnecessary.

I'm a bit concerned that they are making assertions that might confuse people and/or give false hope to people with fertility issues. How come the vagina is a hostile environment yet they claim their fluid mimics cervical fluid? Why is there no medical evidence on their website? Has the product actually been proved to increase the chances of conception? If it has, that's great news, but they need to provide the evidence.

[flymo79]

I only found out that 'normal' lube is spermicidal through mumsnet, for the first few months trying to conceive we used regular (KY) lube as we were dtd so much and it became a bit difficult to "create the best environment" down below. I then ordered some conception-friendly lube through amazon, having studied reviews and read up on things like texture and ease of application. I got my bfp the first month of using a conception-friendly lube, would definitely recommend with the amount of doing-the-deed necessary!

PS (Completely agree with the comment above about not making much sense evolution-wise, however if you are gunning for it and don't want to wait for nature to take its course, or if you don't have much ewcm on ovulation, I think it can really help).

[SpicedTeaAndXmasCakeOrDeath]

Didn't use any when ttc-ing as I found ewcm a good indicator of ovulation (and therefore the best time to 'try') and there was enough not to have to use lube.
Use lube when not ttc-ing and its not a good time though (just after period ends for example) tend to use ann summers one though just because its relatively cheap and easy to pick up in town

[TheMarshwiggle]

I only discovered that normal lube was bad for conceiving after I had my first (took 6 months to conceive using lube). Didn't use lube for my second and conceived first time. If I was trying again I would consider specially designed ttc stuff

[CrispyFB]

We've used Preseed to conceive three of our four children. Given DH has issues with poor morphology, anything that mimics extra mucus so to give the swimmers more places to swim can only be a good thing! Plus.. of course.. after TTC for 13 cycles, properly charting etc etc - well, sometimes you need a little help.

[Theimpossiblegirl]

Didn't use anything when ttc but this is really interesting. I conceived pretty quickly (was a lot younger then and very lucky) and I hadn't really considered the fact that most lubricants are spermicides so would definitely bear this in mind if I convince DH to try for another.

[CakeLab]

We have always preferred to use lube. Just ordered some preseed after discovering standard stuff is not very sperm-friendly as about to begin our 2nd month ttc-ing. Expensive, but hopefully worth it. Not sure I'd go for a spray though - would rather go for something we can both enjoy using.

[bunkygirl]

We used normal lube for first two months of ttc before I read that it could kill sperm. Stopped and got pregnant next month!

[JasMumOfFour]

I think a good old fashioned orgasm does much more to help sperm mobility frankly lol those swimmers need something to swim in

[AnnMumsnet]

Hello: thanks for all the comments so far: a few of you had product queries and Balance Activ have asked me to post the below for you:

"Balance Activ is a responsible women’s healthcare brand and the team behind Balance Activ Conceive is conscious that TTC is a sensitive subject area. Our Fertility Gel and Fertility Spray are both sperm-friendly lubricants containing Hyaluronic Acid, a key molecule which is naturally present in the vagina and cervical fluid.

When we refer to the vagina as being a harsh environment for sperm to survive, we refer to the pH levels between the vagina and semen. The normal pH level in the vagina is between 3.5 - 4.5 and sperm is usually around 7. Balance Activ Conceive Gel & Spray help to temporarily raise the pH level in the vagina to create a more sperm-friendly environment.

In addition, in-vitro studies have shown that the Balance Activ Conceive formula can aid the motility of poor quality sperm.

We understand that there are numerous factors that can affect conception and while we cannot guarantee that using Balance Activ Conceive will make you pregnant, we advise that if you're going to use a lubricant when TTC, that you use one that is sperm-friendly".

[orangepudding]

I used pre-seed 5+ years ago, this was after four months of trying. I did get pregnant the month I started using it. In the unlikely event I wanted to try again I would probably try Balance Activ if it didn't happen in the first couple of months.

[abbykacz]

Tried it when pregnant as I was very dry, it helped a lot. Would use it again

[onelubeonelife]

Feeling quite proud of my thread name change after watching Gareth Malone's Sing While You Work last night

We had never used any lubrication prior to TTC. But after some painfully dry experiences back when we where at it like demented people I bought some Pre-seed. Had only heard of Pre-seed and Conception plus, wasn't aware of Balance-activ until this thread.

Have been using the lubrication for 3 months now and have to say it has made a massive difference. Frankly, when we know that the deed needs to be done and we are tired/can't really be arsed it's nice to know that the lube makes the job a lot easier. After using the first time DH asked me to order an industrial-sized vat of the stuff!

I don't much like the tube-applicator things though; they're quite uncomfortable to use and applying in the bathroom beforehand feels too clinical. Have been using directly. Hopefully that doesn't affect the function…

In answer to this… And have you heard or read about any issues with jellies or lube when TTCing? : I've read on here and elsewhere that using these conception-aid lubes can aid XY sperm motility and therefore slightly increase the chance of males. Being a sceptical bod I'm not convinced on that but thought I'd raise it anyway.

I'm also a scientific-type bod and have done some cursory searching of the scientific literature to read the evidence. I haven't found anything about Balance-Activ specifically and studies seem to be quite thin on the ground and old (late 90s). The most recent study (Agarwal et al, 2008) says that Pre-seed didn't decrease sperm motility like other general lubes. It doesn't say the sperm motility is increased. Perhaps Mumsnet could ask Balanc-activ to provide the studies mentioned above and on their website that 'Balance Activ Conceive formula can aid the motility of poor quality sperm'? This would aid couples to make evidence-based decisions on using fertility-aid lubricants. Conception is a very emotive subject. Providing the hard evidence rather than airy-fairy references to 'studies' would help couples analyse whether they want to add yet another cost and hope to the rollercoaster of conception.

Oops, got a bit in depth there! But I for one would be interested in reading the evidence.

In our case though, we'll still be using a lube whilst DTD. We won't get very far at all without it I suspect and we may as well use a sperm-friendly one. We'll give Balance-activ a go next time I reckon and see how it compares to Pre-seed

[Luckystar1]

I bought conceive plus in the hope that it would work post mc. Month 1 I got a uti the only time I used it. This month dh used it just on himself on our optimum day and it numbed him so much he couldn't perform... Needless to say we won't be venturing down that path again!

[DinoSnores]

I only discovered that normal lube is spermicidal here and then noticed it on the side of the bottle. Used Preseed when TTC DC2 and DC3 and got pregnant fairly quickly so would think about Balance Activ or Preseed when TTC again. The applicators aren't exactly glamorous though!

[mrscumberbatch]

I've never used it, I've always had it in my head that its for old ladies or Friday nights at centerparcs.

[ShreddedHoops]

Ooh this is timely - just started ttc our second and I seem drier than I used to be, even around ovulation time. I also get sore after sex, so not doing it as much as we ideally should as I need downtime to recover in between sessions! So had been vaguely thinking about lube, but I didn't realise most were spermicidal. And I didn't realise some could actively help sperm along the way! Will look out for Balance Activ. Hopefully it will help...

[ShreddedHoops]

(Plus I like handbags. Sex, handbags and babies. I like all 3)

[Aquariusgirl86]

I used conceive plus when ttc both times and fell pregnant first month both times, no idea if it works as I may just be very fertile but I'll definitely buy it again when ttc