Is lubrication a form of contraception?

[Consecrated]

Spend some time warmin’ your ladies up, guys, and you won’t need anything from a tube!

unfortunately this isn’t quite true… not every woman is the same, and women go through a lot of physiological changes throughout their lives, not to mention emotional/psychological, especially those who bear and breastfeed children. And then there are actual medical conditions. All of those have an effect on naturally present lubrication, to a greater or lesser degree depending on the woman. needing (or even just wanting) a bit of lubricant isn’t an indictment against a loving husband.

 

[grandiosa]

Please re-read my caveat about medical conditions and STOP beating a dead horse, already!

As I have personally birthed and breastfed many babies, for years on end no less, and still not needed any packaged help in that regard, I can only assume that my husband is a superior lover.

 

[Cat]

Please re-read my caveat about medical conditions and STOP beating a dead horse, already!

As I have personally birthed and breastfed many babies, for years on end no less, and still not needed any packaged help in that regard, I can only assume that my husband is a superior lover.

You’re one of the lucky ladies.

 

[maryjk]

I can only assume that my husband is a superior lover.

Right.

 

[Pro-Life_Teen]

This is not helping my scrupulosity…

Would this mean that we [Catholics, I’m not married yet ] should use something like Preseed, and if we are using something else, we might be sinning? Similarly, should men use hot tubs as heat can temporarily sterilize… or am I over thinking this?

 

[grandiosa]

or am I over thinking this?

Way…

 

[_wifey]

Yeah, definitely think you are over thinking this…

 

[theistgal]

I think the general rule of thumb is, “Anything that might make sex more pleasurable for the woman is forbidden.”

P.S. APRIL FOOL! (I hope! )

 

[PJM]

I was just reading a book on pregnancy related issues. I came across a section that said if you are trying to achieve pregnancy to avoid lubricants ( ky jelly for example and other such products) as they may destroy the sperm.

So this is what I was wondering… since lubricants destroy sperm are they considered artificial contraception even though most people do not use them for this purpose?
any thoughts on the issue?

No, I think not.

This is a case of lesser good leading to a GREATER good. Not a lesser evil, leading to a good. Intent is key. If the intent is to use to facilitate married sexual intercourse, then it is a good application and permitted.

“may destroy” is not the same as “will destroy”, may impede is not the same as will impede.

Prudent judgement would call for the use of these products as “really” needed.

Love and prayers,

Love and prayers.

 

[Marital_Act]

Wow! What a superb discussion!
Reading JPII’s Love and Responsibility, it would be totally licit for a woman to use non-spermicidal lubrication. His thoughts are that care should be taken for both spouses should receive pleasure from intercourse. If a woman is dry, how much pleasure is she receiving? Be it foreplay, even to orgasm, or lubrication it is okay. His fear is for the woman to become frigid and therefore create distance between the spouses.

Now, that we know of a lubricant that proclaims that it is non spermicidal yet encourages use during IVF and such, I would hesitate. I think our local drug stores carry just the thing we need.

And yes, many woman experience dryness from time to time.

I talk much about this and other things at www.maritalact.com

Now don’t hesitate. Bring back the joy into your lovemaking.

 

[Gwyn]

Any oil can trap and kill sperm.

This is the only product I’ve seen that does not have spermicidal properties: preseed.com/TheCompany/Product_Line.php

A lubricant CAN have spermicidal properties, even if it is not labeled as such. You have to remember that Catholic standards for this are going to be higher than the industry that produces these products. We need a product that is 100% not spermicidal - the industry only needs to meet certain criteria set by the FDA to be considered spermicidal. There is a BIG gray area in between where a product can be spermicidal, yet not enough so to be labeled as one.

If you KNOW a product has spermicidal properties and you still willingly use it, you are culpable of possible sin of contraception. If you KNOW, and there is something you can do about it, then you are required to make a change. You can not use “because I need it” or “because I like it” as an excuse if you are aware the product can be a barrier to life.

~Liza

We are TTCing and Preseed was recommended by my RE since I have low CM to help…

IMHO, I do not think the others are contraceptive, however if TTCing then you are asked to avoid those.

 

[Miserissima]

So this is what I was wondering… since lubricants destroy sperm are they considered artificial contraception even though most people do not use them for this purpose? any thoughts on the issue?

What a nuanced question! I just wanted to say that lubricants with spermicide (such as nonoxynol-9) are contraceptive (-cide = “to kill”). Unfortunately, I cannot weigh in on any particular brand as to whether or not it may be spermicidal, as I don’t have that information in front of me.

I will say that if a lubricant is not spermicidal, but may inhibit sperm from reaching an ovum (although it may not be conducive to conception), it is *not *in and of itself a spermicide, and therefore it is not a contraceptive. PJM rules!

However, there are non-spermicidal lubricants as grandiosa suggested, such as Pre-Seed.

Ha! I never knew I’d give such thought to this…

 

[Convert_in_99]

As long as it does not contain spermicide, it is not a contraceptive. There is an unfortunate side effect of most NON spermicidal lubricants in that they can trap some sperm. When couples are struggling to conceive, this can be especially detrimental as it can lower their conception chances even further. Hence why products that help sperm, such as PreSeed are recommended for those struggling to conceive. Even still, regardless of whether the couple has difficulty conceiving or not, as long as the couple does NOT use the NON spermicidal lubricant with the intention of contracepting, then it is not a sin to use them. ANY product labeled SPERMICIDE is ALWAYS considered a contraceptive and is ALWAYS sinful.

This was discussed in Ask an Apologist and the same information above was given. I will try to find the post.

Hope this helps.

 

[Convert_in_99]

**HERE ** is the link to the Ask An Apologist thread in the use of NON spermicidal lubricants.