Development of a novel, physiologically important calcium and magnesium ion containing non-spermicidal vaginal lubricant

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate a novel calcium and magnesium containing non-spermicidal vaginal lubricant using in vitro assays, including its effectiveness in maintaining sperm viability and motility. Trying to conceive couples seek a vaginal lubricant that mimics natural fluids and is not toxic to the sperm. DESIGN: Semen samples were incubated in the optimum sperm media, in the absence or presence of the newly designed lubricant, and the sperm viability and motility was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The motile sperm fraction was collected according to literature protocols. Spermatozoa were incubated for 24h in optimum sperm medium alone or in medium containing 10% (v/v) of the newly designed non-spermicidal lubricant and the sperm viability and motility was measured as a percentage of motile spermatozoa in a blinded fashion by a trained technician using the WHO protocol for the assessment of sperm motility. RESULTS: 83% of spermatozoa remained motile upon exposure to 10% (v/v) of the newly developed calcium and magnesium containing non-spermicidal lubricant, as compared to 85% motile sperm observed after incubation without any lubricant, suggesting that exposure of sperm to the newly developed lubricant did not result in any significant decrease in the sperm motility and viability (which is essential for motility) as compared to the treatment with optimum culture medium alone. CONCLUSIONS: The newly designed non-spermicidal lubricant from Aquatrove contains the physiologically important calcium and magnesium ions to better mimic the natural fluids and does not harm viability or motility of spermatozoa. Data from additional independent in vitro tests, which will also be presented, show that the new lubricant does not create a barrier against sperm motility and does not affect the process of fertilization between mouse ova and sperm that are exposed to this lubricant nor affects their development to the blastocyst stage.