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

[KateOxford]

We didn't use anything, only vitamins which are designed for couples trying to conceive. I wasn't aware there were such products of would likely have tried them.

[principalitygirl]

We used Conceive Plus and another ttc-friendly lube when we were ttc. Neither worked for us. We ended up needing assisted conception in the end. When you're desperate though you'll try any product under the sun that could boost your chances.

[manfalou]

We've only ever used lube twice in the 7.5 years we;ve been together which was a water based one (no idea what its called!) and neither was when TTC, we fell pregnant 3 and 2 months after trying with our kiddies so maybe a factor as to why? I have to admit its not something that even crossed my mind as something that could effect the TTC process but quite worrying that it could be spermicidal!

I have friends that have been TTC for some time now so will let them know this very useful piece of information.. just incase they're using lube that isn't suitable!

[Macdog]

Like many others on this thread, I had no idea about these products.
I'd probably have tried them when TTC

[Thatsnotmyfigure]

We did use a lube when ttc no 1. To be honest we haven't tried this time round but thanks for the reminder!!

[KatoPotatoHoHo]

Very interesting about other products! Would be keen to try this when my mirena comes out in Jan!

[DontCallMeDaughter]

We used Balance Active and I thought it was excellent. Really easy to "apply" and kept things moving so to speak!! I did find it a bit watery but maybe I just used to much.

We also got a bfp the first month we used it after 11 unsuccessful months beforehand. So I'm a fan

[TinselBankWadger]

I managed to conceive several times with nothing other than natural lube so should I ever be lucky enough to be trying again I would continue to take the natural route.

Also, I have had issues with thrush in the past and the thought of changing the ph balance of my vagina is frankly very off putting! It's the ph it is for a reason. Okay yes if I was having a lot of trouble TTC maybe I would consider a product such as this, but I'm in no hurry for another protracted dose of thrush (especially if it worked and I got pg as then I wouldn't be able to treat the thrush effectively).

[cheshirekat1]

Took us a few months to conceive and I have to say I hadn't even thought that lube could help get the swimmers on the move, now I've read it, it does make sense. Important though that people recognise that some lubes are bad for sperm....

[PenguinSalute]

I had never even heard of lube that aided conception! I fell preg very accidentally quickly with DS so it wasn't really something I considered. However, we hope to start trying for DC2 in the next year, so it's good to have the info that there are things like this to try if necessary. I have used BalanceActiv products before and found them good, so would definitely think of them as a reputable brand to try.

[Bubbles85]

Well I didn't consider that lubes could be spermicidal. We fell pregnant after two months of me stopping the pill. We had made a conscious decision not to 'try' but just to stop preventing it and see what happened. So we didn't change any habits, although I did stop drinking alcohol (luckily) just in case it did happen quickly! Although now i know about the lubes, I will definitely consider a sperm safe alternative if we choose to have another baby at some point.

[gasbird]

Tried pre-seed, seemed to work!

[BeigeBuffet]

I didn't know that some lubes were spermicidal. I would definately consider using Balance Activ as we are about to ttc from this month on. I'm not so sure I would use a spray but certainly the gel sounds like a good idea. It sounds like a win win situation, sex feels better and your chances are increased-result!

[EmsyM83]

We use KY as a general rule, I tend to react to Durex. Never given any consideration to conception friendly stuff before and not really had any issues. I probably would look into it if was to have issues.

[Readynow]

We have been using Conceive Plus for a while now TTC #2 & conceived #1 whilst using it. I did not know there was another conception friendly lubricant on the market.

[StarsAbove]

I had no idea lube could help or hinder when TTC. I got pregnant very quickly, I suppose I would have done more research if it had taken us longer. I suppose it is good to feel you are doing everything you can to maximise your chances.

As far as where to get advice when TTC - MN of course! I used an app to predict ovulation days too.

[RemoteControlGeekToyOfTheYear]

Been struggling ttc for a long time now. Lube is most definitely a must for us. Currently using Conceive+ because we like the pictures on the box that show the difference between sperm trying to swim through ordinary lube and sperm swimming through conceive+. Those kind of pictures give a lot of confidence to long-term ttcers

[TinselandGretel]

We TTC'd for years, lube was necessary because having sex on a timetable is less exciting than spontaneous sex!

We used pre-seed ferility lube, found it expensive but we were desperate and happy to try anything that would help. We did get pg, not sure if the Pre-seed made any difference or not.

[Punkatheart]

I am very open-minded and liberal about most things but this is the one thing that makes me uncomfortable. Tried it once, really didn't like it! But it is a hard topic to bring up!

[Punkatheart]

I am very open-minded and liberal about most things but this is the one thing that makes me uncomfortable. Tried it once, really didn't like it! But it is a hard topic to bring up!

[GreyWhites]

I love a bit of lube, always have, even before TTC. So far whilst TTC I've relied on Conceive Plus and Pre-Seed. Spent 2 years trying to get pregnant, got pregnant this year then had to terminate pregnancy on medical grounds at 14 weeks. I'm in my early 40s now so I'm aware my time is running out and am back on the TTC treadmill. Frankly I'll try anything at all that helps right now. I've even resorted to crystals, for flip's sake.

[Vikkijayne2507]

I had read that normal lube was antisperm but I often found I needed to use something to get me in the mood. I only knew of 2 pro sperm lubes and one of them I couldnt get in any local chemist. We used normal lube a few times and went without. Im not sure which one we were doing as we TTC 5 times in 1 week some with normal lube some without I was very lucky and fell pregnant within first 2 months of trying. I was about to buy the lube for sperm but i got a bfp instead

[Sleepingstarsmommy]

Been pregnant 4 times. Only used a special lube for the first pregnancy although I can't remember the brand. The other 3 pregnancies we just used our normal lube or none at all and still conceived on our first cycle of trying. Currently on our first cycle of trying to conceive again and using our usual lube. Maybe if we're not successful then I may invest in some but do think it is expensive. Have to say we didnt it particularly nice either.

[Ilikesweetpeas]

Never heard of this but would give it a try, when you are TTC anything that helps is welcome!

[whatareyoueventalkingabout]

I haven't ever needed to use it but would use this for sure!