"I bought some 'Conceive Plus'... It mimics the cervical mucus and aids sperm in helping it swim and reach that egg."

Yes, many standard lubricants can be harmful to sperm as they may alter vaginal pH and reduce sperm motility. Fertility-friendly lubricants like Conceive Plus are specifically formulated to be pH-balanced and isotonic, mimicking the consistency of cervical mucus without compromising sperm movement. If you're trying to conceive, it's worth switching to a fertility-specific product rather than using regular lubricants.

Cervical mucus is essential for conception as it provides an alkaline environment that protects sperm and helps them survive their journey through the reproductive tract. During ovulation, fertile cervical mucus becomes stretchy and abundant, allowing sperm to swim more easily towards the egg. Without adequate cervical mucus, sperm can struggle to reach the egg or may die before fertilisation occurs.

The WHO recommends abstaining from ejaculation for 2-7 days before a semen analysis, with 3-5 days being the optimal window for most accurate results. Abstaining for less than 2 days or more than 7 days can affect sperm count and motility, potentially skewing your test results. Discuss the exact timing with your fertility clinic or NHS consultant to ensure the most reliable assessment of sperm health.

For most couples, frequent intercourse doesn't reduce fertility; in fact, regular sexual activity can support conception attempts. However, if your partner has low sperm count or motility issues, abstaining for 2-3 days before ovulation may help increase sperm concentration. The key is balancing frequency with strategic timing around your ovulation window—speak with your fertility specialist for personalised advice.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that may help improve sperm motility and morphology in some men, particularly those with oxidative stress. Some studies suggest daily supplementation (around 1,000 mg

According to WHO standards, normal sperm morphology is 4% or higher; anything below this may indicate morphological abnormalities that could affect fertility. If your partner's morphology is below 4%, your fertility clinic will likely recommend further investigation and possibly lifestyle changes, supplements, or assisted reproductive treatments like IVF or ICSI. The NHS and HFEA recommend seeking specialist advice if conception hasn't occurred after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse, or earlier if male factor issues are suspected.

Fertility-friendly lubricants like Conceive Plus are available at major UK pharmacies including Boots, as well as online retailers such as Amazon UK and specialist fertility websites. Many are available without prescription, though you may wish to ask your GP or fertility nurse for recommendations specific to your situation. Always check the product is pH-balanced and marked as sperm-friendly before purchasing.