The use of vaginal lubricants and ultrasound gels can have deleterious effects on sperm function

Soriano, M J; Botella, Inmaculada Molina; Sadeghi, Sara; Rios, Andrea Palomar; Balasch, S.; Marco, S. Luján; Pellicer, Nuria; Rubio, José María Rubio

doi:10.4103/jhrs.jhrs_128_18

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 14 publications

(33 reference statements)

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“…Both standard semen analysis and more advanced testing, such as DNA fragmentation, used to determine sperm function, have demonstrated the deleterious effects vaginal lubricants can have on sperm integrity [3]- [9]. Many of these effects are seen in common lubricants such as K-Y Jelly, Replens, and Astroglide [3] [10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Next Generation Lubricants and Their Potential Use in Fertility Treatment

Richardson,

White,

Penrose

et al. 2023

ARSci

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While generally recognized as a potential source of contamination during the collection process, lubricants are often used at the preference of the male partner to prevent irritation. While older lubricants have been studied, there is currently no conscience within programs as to what constitutes a "safe" lubricant. The object of the current study was designed to evaluate chemically unique "next generation" lubricants in comparison to lubricants currently in use in fertility treatment and/or recognized as fertility safe; the first was a silicone-based lubricant, the second is a water-based, plant-based organic compound, in comparison to two established medical lubricants and a control. Twelve deidentified semen samples from the clinical andrology laboratory were used to test the lubricants following semen analysis. In order to enter the study, the sample had to have a minimum of 30 × 10 6 motile cells. Samples were then processed using a simple sperm wash modified to reconstitute the pellet into a final volume of 7 mL. Half-milliliter aliquots were then transferred into 13 wells of a standard 24-well culture plate. One well was used as a control. The remaining wells received one of the four lubricants at one of three volumes (10, 50, or 100 uL), producing 12 treatment combinations (four lubricants + 3 concentration levels) and the control. The samples were then cultured at room temperature for 24 hours. At times 0, 1, 3, 12, and 24 hrs, the plate was agitated to remix the sample, and a 4 uL aliquot of each well was analyzed for standard semen parameters using a computer-assisted semen analyzer. Results indicated the expected decrease in semen parameters over time in all treatments (P < 0.001). There was also a dose-dependent drop in most of the lubricants. However, samples contaminated with the newer lubricants appeared to maintain semen parameters similar to the controls at all but the 100 ul level of contamination, while the older lubricants caused decreases in sperm function at much lower concentrations. While semen parameters alone should not be the only criteria for the selection of a lubricant,

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Next Generation Lubricants and Their Potential Use in Fertility Treatment

Richardson,

White,

Penrose

et al. 2023

ARSci

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A systematic review focused on lubricant use and sperm quality: Improving human reproductive success by informing lubricants toxicity

Molin,

Leite,

Lazzari

2024

J of Applied Toxicology

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Lubricants play a pivotal role in human reproductive health, particularly concerning their impact on sperm parameters. In this systematic review, we assess the implications of both synthetic and natural or organic lubricants on sperm health and fertility, based on a compilation of 20 distinct studies. Synthetic lubricants, including K‐Y Jelly, Replens, and Astroglide, predominantly containing ingredients like methylparaben and glycerin, have been linked to detrimental effects on sperm motility and chromatin integrity. Chemical characteristics, notably osmolality and pH, are central to understanding these effects. Despite the World Health Organization's osmolality recommendation of 380 mOsm/kg, many commercial products surpass this. Natural solutions offer varied results, while olive oil exhibits unfavorable effects on sperm health, egg white proves non‐toxic, potentially benefitting sperm health. Conversely, Pre‐Seed, widely endorsed in the research community, generally demonstrates minimal adverse impact on sperm. The review highlights the significance of lubricant selection in evidence‐based reproductive strategies.

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