I have constant dryness in my vagina that improves only a little during ovulation time. I have to use Vaseline during intercourse. Could this interfere with conception in any way? Is there another type of lubricant that would be better?

A.

You have many choices in lubricants -- Replens, Astroglide, Vaseline, K-Y Jelly, Lubrifax, saliva, and mineral oil, to name a few. Yet surprisingly few studies have looked at the effect of vaginal lubricants on sperm motility. Unfortunately, what data we do have suggest that all but pharmaceutical-grade mineral oil seem to adversely affect fertility potential.

Vaginal lubrication is a result of both production of mucus by the cervix as well as fluid produced by cells in the vaginal wall during sexual arousal. Mucus production peaks during the middle of the menstrual cycle, as estrogen levels rise just before ovulation. Many factors can interfere with lubrication, including infection, surgery to treat abnormal Pap smears, and low estrogen levels. Clomiphene (Serophene and Clomid) is an antiestrogen and can block the beneficial effect of estrogen on stimulating mucus production.