About Therio-gel

Clinical Studies supporting the gamete and mucosal safety of the Therio-gel patented, isotonic formula:

• Effect of an Isotonic Lubricant on Sperm Collection and Sperm Quality. Fertility & Sterility. 2013 In Press
• Is Wetter Better? An Evaluation of Over-the-Counter Personal Lubricants for Safety and Anti-HIV-1 Activity. PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e48328. 
• Quantitative Perceptual Differences Among Over-the-Counter Vaginal Products Using a Standardized Methodology. Contraception. 2011;84:184-193
• Sperm Toxicity of "Nonspermicidal" Lubricant and Ultrasound Gels Used in Reproductive Medicine. Fertility & Sterility. 2011 Feb;95:835-836
• Impact of Glycerol-free Versus Glycerol-containing Fertility Lubricants on Sperm Function: Including Ability to Fertilize and Support Embryo Development in an In Vitro Model. Fertility & Sterility. 2010 Sept(Suppl);94:209-210
• Effect of an Isotonic Fertility Lubricant on Sperm Penetration into Bovine Cervical Mucus in Vitro. Fertility & Sterility. 2010 Sept(Suppl);94:210 
• Preservation of Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) Spermatozoa Using a Trehalose-based Cryodiluent and Directional Freezing Technology. Reproduction, Fertility & Development. 2010;22:653-663
• Effect of Lubricants Developed for Fertility Markets on In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Development. Journal of Andrology. 2009 Mar/Apr(Suppl):53
• Equine Breeding Management and Artificial Insemination. J Samper © 2009
• Comparative Effect of “Non-spermicidal” Lubricants on Stallion Sperm Function. Animal Reproduction Science. 2008 Sept;107:360
• Mucosal Irritation Potential of Personal Lubricants Relates to Product Osmolality as Detected by the Slug Mucosal Irritation Assay. Sexually Transmitted Disease. 2008 May;35:512-516
• Effect of Vaginal Lubricants on Sperm Motility and Chromatin Integrity: A Prospective Comparative Study. Fertility & Sterility. 2008 Feb;89:375–379
• Semen Collection, Characterisation and Artificial Insemination in the Beluga (Delphinapterus leucas) Using Liquid-Stored Spermatozoa. Reproduction, Fertility & Development. 2008;20:770-783
• The Effect of Different Lubricants on Longevity of Motility and Velocity of Stallion Spermatozoa. Theriogenology. August 2007:496
• Animal Model Study of a New Patient Lubricant’s Affect on In Vitro Fertilization & Embryo Development. Journal of Andrology 2007;Mar/Apr(Suppl):28
• The Effects of Vaginal Lubricants and Moisturizers on Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) Parameters Associated with Cervical Mucus Penetration. American Society of Reproductive Medicine Annual Meeting, Philadelphia PA, October 2004
• Effects of Personal Lubricants on In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Development. American Society of Andrology Annual Meeting, Phoenix AZ, March 2003
• Polysaccharides Containing Arabinose and Galactose Decrease Oxidative Damage to Sperm In Vitro. American Society of Andrology, Montreal Quebec, June 2001

Sperm exposed to Therio-gel retain their motility and function!

Therio-gel is uniquely non-irritating and safe for sperm. It has a physiologic ion level (e.g. isotonic/iso-osmolar) to match body fluids such as semen and fertile cervical mucus. It contains a phosphate buffer to ensure a stable, neutral pH during handling (e.g. semen collection and insemination). Plus, Therio-gel has a natural plant based anti-oxidant to optimize cell function, including sperm!

Therio-gel is based on the same patented formula that the American Society of Reproductive Medicine recommends in their Physician Guidelines for human fertility patients; and that has undergone review and clearance by the FDA, as “safe to use when trying to conceive.”

The Therio-gel formula was developed by JE Ellington, a DVM, PhD, Board Certified Theriogenologist—to provide an elite product for the elite genes of the animals in your life!

Most lubricants damage sperm, as shown in numerous studies, and should be avoided for optimal sperm quality and outcomes:

•  Zero percent fertilization or embryo development after exposure to 10% Priority Care in a bovine in vitro fertilization model.
• A motile sperm decline of over 30% within 3 hrs of contact to "non-spermicidal" veterinary lubricants in a fresh storage setting, as well as over the 48 hrs of routine cold storage.

Theriogel is the ONLY lubricant to not decrease stallion sperm motility during both fresh & cold storage in prospective, blind studies.

Theriogel does not interfere with the ability of sperm to fertilize eggs, or support subsequent embryo development, even after exposure to high concentrations of 50% (v/v - bovine in vitro fertilization model).

Theriogel was developed by a DVM, PhD, Theriogenologist with over 15 years of federal funding in sperm physiology.

Theriogel is the only lubricant formulated with:

• A physiologic osmolality and ion concentration;
• A buffer to ensure that pH remains stable; and
• An antioxidant to protect sperm from free radical damage during handling.

Therio-gel is based on the same patented technology as the first and only FDA cleared human lubricant labeled "safe to use when trying to conceive."

Therio-gel's isotonic formula has been shown in clinical studies to be the safest water-soluble lubricant for mucosal membranes. This means it is non-irritating and ideal for any tissue contact.

Diagnostic and Therapeutic Veterinary Reproductive Procedures

• Semen Collection
• Artificial insemination
• Transvaginal Ultrasound
• Urinary Catheter or Speculum Lubrication
• Dystocia Lubrication

General Medicine Veterinary Procedures

• Isotonic Lubrication for all Mucosal Surfaces
• Endoscopy
• Nasogastric tube placement
• Equine sheath cleaning

Here are some guidelines to help identify other lubricants you may wish to avoid in your practice or farm.

• Lubricants labeled as sterile, but you don't throw them out after a one-time, single use.
• Watch for labeling stating "sterility not guaranteed after tube is opened." No matter the wording on the tube, once this product is opened it is no longer sterile. If it doesn't contain a safe preservative, pathogenic bacteria can grow in the lubricant (e.g. pseudomonas).
• Lubricants containing glycerol or propylene glycol. These molecules are used for freezing sperm because they readily penetrate across membranes into the sperm. However, movement of these chemicals into the sperm can change the cell’s critical volume and may impact organelle function (such as mitochondrial function). These chemicals are inexpensive, but bovine IVF studies suggest they can cause sublethal damage to sperm which may impact embryo development.
• Lubricants containing harsh preservatives.  Sperm look a lot like bacteria.  The Therio-gel formula has been tested over 10 years to identify a level of preservative which protects against bacterial contamination of the lubricant, but one that doesn’t harm sperm and embryo development.
• Lubricants lacking a phosphate buffer.  Other lubricants may only contain sodium bicarbonate as a pH buffer.  The pH window for optimal sperm function is  narrow in some species.  During exposure to air, lubricants without a phosphate buffer may allow changes in pH that damage sperm.
• Lubricants lacking published data to show safety on tissues and embryo development.