P-078 In vitro effects of polycarbophil vaginal moisturizing gel on sperm motility and vitality

Abstract Study question The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects intravaginal polycarbophil gel in sperm quality an vitro model. Summary answer Incubation human samples with a vaginal moisturizer containing 10% resulted important reduction motility and vitality. What is known already effect lubricants on has been matter debate for over 50 years. Despite publication few studies, real impact male gametes remains unknown. Some commercial have tested but so far there lack studies evaluating moisturizers seminal quality. Vaginal dryness recurring significant complaint affecting couples trying conceive who may use lubricants, or even natural oils that could advsersely interfere design, size, duration This paired prospective involved obtained fom 14 men undergoing fertility treatment at private IVF clinic Brazil from August/2020 July/2022. approved by local review board each participant signed informed consent. Each sample divided into two aliquots: 20% (final dilution 10%) medium only. Statistical analysis performed using D’Agostino/ Pearson, General Linear Model, Wilcoxon, Friedman’s. P values <0.05 were considered significant. Participants/materials, setting, methods Normozoospermic patients (alpha 0.05, power 0.8)were collected masturbation, 2 5 days after last ejaculation. After liquefaction ,10 μmL analyzed Makler chamber according World Helath Organization (WHO) guidelines. Samples mixed 1:1 v/v policarbophil culture only, then incubated 24h 34 °c. Analysis 0, 15, 30 min determine progressive vitality (eosin-nigrosin test) Main results role chance There decrease WHO classification both experimental conditions time, more evident treated (p < 0.0001 group x LinearModel Repeated Measure). proportion progressively motile reduced immediately upon contact (time point 0 min) decreased throughout experiment, contrasting incubation (control), which only affected substantially 24h. In validation cohort, median 52% fresh 11% 0% 0.0001). Sperm end experiment also differed significantly between treatments, medians 62.5% exposure 47% = 0.020, Wilcoxon’s Limitations, reasons caution Results represent selected center Brazil. fertile males be different. Moreover, setting used here does not accurately mimic environment results. Wider implications findings Polycarbophil-based gels similar products harm motility, therefore woment should avoid such until prove otherwise. Trial registration number Not applicable