Was any “extra” lubrication used during intercourse? If so, what was it? (e.g., egg whites, Astroglide, K-Y Jelly, saliva [hers/his/both], Vaseline, vegetable oil).
RAH – The question of artificial lubricants and their relative conception “friendliness” is one of the more controversial in low-tech fertility — if discussion on the newsgroups is any guide. I have gone out on a limb and given my judgment on the issue, by arranging common lubricants from best-to-worst in the list above. Egg whites are listed as best, although they are controversial — few people quation that they are very effective in mimicking cervical fluid, but there is considerable worry about whether their use poses a danger of salmonella infection. Mixed opinions abound on the two water-based commercial lubricants, Astroglide and K-Y Jelly; I picked Astroglide ahead of KY based on the study by Pomeroy and Savage, whose abstract is quoted below. Presumably, other water-based commercial lubricants such as Replens would fit into the same general ranking.
