Pre-Seed vs Conceive Plus: Which Is Better?
The two most popular fertility lubricants compared.
Quick Answer
- Pre-Seed: Original fertility lube, most research, comes with internal applicators
- Conceive Plus: Similar effectiveness, slightly thicker texture, contains minerals
- Bottom line: Both work equally well—choose based on texture preference
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Pre-Seed | Conceive Plus |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Cleared | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| pH Balanced | ✓ pH 7.4 | ✓ pH 7.0 |
| Sperm-Tested | ✓ WHO standards | ✓ WHO standards |
| Texture | Lighter, more watery | Thicker, more like traditional lube |
| Contains Parabens | Yes | Paraben-free version available |
| Added Minerals | No | Calcium & magnesium ions |
| Applicators Included | ✓ Yes (9 applicators) | Sold separately or in applicator packs |
| Price | ~$22-26 | ~$18-22 |
Pre-Seed: In-Depth
Pre-Seed was the first fertility-friendly lubricant on the market, developed by scientists who recognized that regular lubricants harm sperm. It's been around since 1995 and has the most clinical research behind it.
Key Features
- Mimics fertile cervical mucus — pH 7.4, same osmolality as body fluids
- Comes with applicators — 9 pre-filled applicators for internal use
- Hydroxyethylcellulose-based — similar to natural mucus
- Most researched — frequently cited in fertility studies
Pros
- ✓ Most studied fertility lubricant
- ✓ Applicators included for internal use
- ✓ Trusted by fertility specialists
- ✓ Closely mimics natural fertile mucus
Cons
- ✗ Contains parabens (preservatives)
- ✗ Thinner texture—some find it too watery
- ✗ Slightly more expensive
Conceive Plus: In-Depth
Conceive Plus entered the market as a Pre-Seed competitor and has become equally popular. Its main differentiator is the addition of calcium and magnesium ions, which the company claims support sperm function.
Key Features
- Contains minerals — Calcium and magnesium ions
- Thicker texture — Feels more like traditional lubricant
- Paraben-free option — Available in some formulations
- Multiple formats — Tube, individual applicators, or combo
Pros
- ✓ Thicker texture many prefer
- ✓ Contains minerals (may support sperm)
- ✓ Paraben-free version available
- ✓ Slightly cheaper
Cons
- ✗ Applicators sold separately with tube version
- ✗ Less published research than Pre-Seed
- ✗ Mineral benefits not definitively proven
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Pre-Seed If:
- You want the most researched option
- You want applicators included
- You prefer a lighter, more natural-feeling texture
- Your doctor specifically recommended it
Choose Conceive Plus If:
- You prefer a thicker, traditional lube texture
- You want to avoid parabens
- You're interested in the added minerals
- You want to save a few dollars
Do Fertility Lubricants Actually Help?
Let's be clear: fertility lubricants don't increase fertility. They simply don't harm it like regular lubricants do.
Regular lubricants (KY, Astroglide, etc.) have been shown to reduce sperm motility by 60-100% due to pH imbalance and osmolality issues. Fertility-friendly lubricants maintain an environment where sperm can survive and swim normally.
Think of them as "neutral" rather than "helpful." The best scenario is no lubricant at all—but if you need one for comfort, these options won't hurt your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use the internal applicators?
No. External use works fine. Internal applicators place lubricant closer to the cervix, but many couples conceive using only external application.
Can I use these for everyday lubrication?
Yes, both are safe for regular use. However, they're more expensive than regular lubricants, so you might want to use them only during your fertile window.
Are the added minerals in Conceive Plus actually helpful?
The calcium and magnesium may support sperm function in theory, but there's no definitive research proving Conceive Plus increases conception rates more than Pre-Seed. The primary benefit of both is being sperm-safe.
The Bottom Line
Both Pre-Seed and Conceive Plus are excellent, FDA-cleared fertility lubricants that won't harm sperm. The choice comes down to personal preference:
- Pre-Seed for a lighter texture and included applicators
- Conceive Plus for a thicker texture and paraben-free option
You really can't go wrong with either. If you try one and don't like the texture, switch to the other. Both will protect your conception chances while providing the lubrication you need. 💚