The Use of Vaginal Lubricants and Ultrasound Gels Can have Deleterious Effects on Sperm Function.

Context: Some vaginal lubricants and ultrasound gels are known to be detrimental to sperm function and therefore could negatively affect fertility. Aims: The aim of the current study was to develop a sperm motility index (SMI) to test the sperm toxicity of ultrasound gels and vaginal lubricants used in reproductive medicine. Settings and Design: Two ultrasound gels (Aquasonic® and Kefus®) and five vaginal lubricants (Vaginesil™, Velastisa®, K-Y Jelly®, Control®, and Durex®) were studied. Three different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%) of each lubricant were tested. Subjects and Methods: SMI was calculated dividing the percentage of progressively motile sperm in each tested gel by that in the control at 0.5, 1, 2, and 24 h of incubation at 5% of CO2 and 37°C. SMI values