If you buy something through a link on this page, we can earn a small commission. How it works Coconut oil is a popular natural option fo...
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Coconut oil is a popular natural option for relieving vaginal dryness. Some studies suggest that coconut oil is safe for the skin and an effective moisturizer.
Many people use vaginal moisturizers or lubricants to relieve vaginal discomfort and make sex more comfortable. A 2014 study of 1,021 women found that 66% of participants said they used a personal lubricant.
Although there are several vaginal lubricants available in the personal health room, some people prefer a more natural approach.
However, people using latex contraceptives should avoid coconut oil as a lubricant. Oil can break down the latex in these devices and make them less effective.
In this article, we examine whether coconut oil acts as a vaginal lubricant, how to use it safely, and what risks and considerations there are.
We also cover other benefits of using coconut oil on the skin and some alternative options for vaginal dryness.
Coconut oil is a popular home remedy for a number of health problems. Many people also use it to moisturize their hair and skin. The oil is also becoming increasingly popular as a natural lubricant against vaginal dryness.
However, the evidence for the effectiveness of coconut oil as a vaginal lubricant has so far been largely anecdotal.
Some studies suggest that coconut oil is safe for the skin and can help relieve dryness. For example, a 2013 study examined the topical use of coconut oil to treat mild to moderate neurodermatitis in children.
The team concluded that coconut oil was more effective than mineral oil in treating the symptoms of atopic dermatitis such as dry skin. None of the children in the study had side effects on coconut oil.
The researchers also found that coconut oil:
- Coats the skin to reduce water loss
- helped strengthen the skin barrier
- It had emollient properties, which means that it can help soothe and moisturize the skin
Scientists have not studied the safety or effectiveness of coconut oil as a lubricant. However, several studies suggest that coconut oil is generally harmless to the skin.
Anyone who is allergic or sensitive to coconut or coconut oil should avoid using such products on the skin or as a personal lubricant.
Before using coconut oil, it may be useful to do a test patch. To do this, rub a small amount of coconut oil on the inner skin of the forearm and wait 24 hours to determine whether there is a reaction.
Stop using coconut oil on your skin or as a personal lubricant if it does the following:
- itching
- blush
- swelling
- Irritation or discomfort
To use coconut oil as a personal lubricant, apply it around the opening of the vagina and into the vulva. Apply the oil to everything that gets into the vagina, such as B. penis, fingers or sex toys.
People using latex contraceptives such as condoms and diaphragms should avoid using coconut oil as a vaginal lubricant.
Coconut oil and other oil-based lubricants break down latex in these devices, making them less effective and increasing the risk of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections .
Vaginal lubricants can also change the natural pH balance in the vagina, which can increase the risk of infection. People who are most susceptible to vaginal infections can talk to their doctor before using coconut oil as a lubricant.
There may be other safer options for people who are very sensitive to pH changes.
It should also be noted that oil-based lubricants such as coconut oil can be complicated to use and can contaminate clothing, underwear and bedding.
Using a towel during sex can help protect the sheets. People who use coconut oil outside of sexual activity can wear pants or a thin pillow to protect their underwear.
Pure coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and contains no additional chemicals that can cause skin irritation.
Some studies also suggest that coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help protect against infection.
A study from the year 2013 showed , for example, that the medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil can inhibit the growth of Clostridium difficile, a type of bacteria that a severe form of can cause diarrhea .
There are also practical advantages to using coconut oil. It is a thicker oil, which means that it tends to stay on the skin longer, reducing the need for reapplication. This can make coconut oil an inexpensive option for personal lubrication.
Coconut oil is also widely used in health food stores and supermarkets.
Other natural lubrication options are almond, olive, peanut and avocado oils.
There are also many different commercial personal lubricants that are widely available in pharmacies and online.
Commercial lubricants come in three main forms:
- Water-based
- oil-based
- based on silicone
Water and silicone based lubricants are best for people using latex condoms or membranes.
Some products cause irritation when a person uses them in the sensitive tissues of the vulva and vagina. This includes:
- Petroleum-based products such as petroleum jelly
- Products containing glycerin
- baby oil
- flavored products
- Products with heating, cooling or tingling properties
Although spermicidal gel provides lubrication, it can sometimes cause irritation and has an unpleasant chemical taste and smell.
That people in the are menopausal or they already have , can talk with their doctor to see if she candidates for vaginal are estrogen . This can help correct the hormonal imbalances that lead to vaginal dryness.
Coconut oil is a popular natural option for relieving vaginal dryness. Although there are no specific studies on the use of coconut oil as a personal lubricant, studies suggest that coconut oil is generally harmless to the skin.
Coconut oil can cause skin irritation in some people. Therefore, it is advisable to test the oil in a small skin patch before using it as a personal lubricant.
Because oils can degrade latex, people using latex condoms or membranes should consider not using coconut oil or any other oil-based product as a lubricant during sex.
A number of products based on pure coconut oil are available online .
