Can Coconut Oil Cause Yeast Infections
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Can Coconut Oil Cause Yeast Infections
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Beth Krietsch is a freelance health and food writer with a Masters's Degree in Public Health Nutrition. She covers wellness for Byrdie, with an emphasis on food and nutrition.
Medically reviewed by
Sara Twogood, MD
Sara Twogood, MD is an obstetrician-gynecologist at Cedars Sinai with a passion for educating the public about female health and wellness.
Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.
Felice Gersh , MD, is an OB/GYN and founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group in Irvine, California.
Kecia Gaither , MD, is double board-certified in OB/GYN and maternal-fetal medicine and director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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Byrdie is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
If you’ve never had a yeast infection , count yourself among the lucky ones. Yeast infections are a surprisingly common condition, affecting somewhere around 70-75 percent of women at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, 40-50 percent of women will go on to experience a recurrence, as well. If you’ve had a yeast infection, there’s a solid chance you were willing to try nearly anything to alleviate the itching, burning, and other uncomfortable sensations that came along with it.
So if someone told you (i.e., TikTok) that coconut oil could be used to treat a yeast infection, would you try it? There are some rumors out there that coconut oil can do just that. So, to get to the bottom of this mystery, we reached out to two OB/GYNs, Dr. Felice Gersh and Dr. Kecia Gaither. Keep reading for more on using coconut oil to treat or even prevent a yeast infection.
Even though there are a number of over-the-counter yeast infection treatments available, yeast infections can still be tricky to get rid of. And for some women who have a particularly delicate vaginal microbiome , some of the more conventional yeast infection medications might even promote bacterial vaginosis and other conditions, leading to a tricky cycle of illness and infection.
Within a healthy vaginal ecosystem, there’s a balanced mix of bacteria and yeast, though this balance can be thrown off from things like the overgrowth of certain types of fungus, or when the fungus moves deeper into the vaginal cell layers. This can happen for all sorts of reasons, ranging from taking antibiotics, to pregnancy, increased estrogen levels, or even a weakened immune system.
The reason coconut oil has been suggested as a yeast infection treatment is that coconut oil is known to have antifungal properties. This is promising given that most vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. There isn’t a ton of research available that looks into the effectiveness of coconut oil in treating yeast infections, but in one study, coconut oil was shown to be effective as an antifungal agent against Candida albicans. Further research is needed before we can definitively say coconut oil can be effective in treating yeast infections.
Gynecologists have differing thoughts as to whether coconut oil can be used to treat a yeast infection. According to Gersh, coconut oil can kill yeast and can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
“Coconut oil is a fatty acid that has powerful antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-parasite, and antifungal properties,” she says. “In other words, it can kill various bacteria, viruses, parasites, and certain species of yeast.”
But Gaither isn’t so sure coconut oil is effective in this way. “There is no known confirmatory research indicating coconut oil as an effective methodology for treating vaginal yeast infections,” she says.
She explains that while yes, coconut oil does have antifungal properties, the strength of its antifungal properties may not be enough to eradicate a vaginal yeast infection. She adds that coconut oil could also alter the vaginal microbiome in a way that increases someone’s risk for other vaginal infections.
“It’s best to consult your health provider to verify that a yeast infection is the correct etiology, and prescribe effective antifungal treatment to eradicate the monilial infection,” she says.
Gersh also cautions that coconut oil shouldn’t be used to treat a yeast infection among women who are pregnant, as there isn’t sufficient safety data available on this. Additionally, she says coconut oil shouldn’t be used for recurring yeast infections, and that you should always confirm that you have a yeast infection before using this treatment.
If you have a yeast infection and want to give coconut oil a try as a treatment, you have a couple of different options for going about this. Gersh recommends applying coconut oil to a clean tampon and then inserting it into your vagina. Alternatively, “it can also be rubbed into the tissues with fingers.” She suggests using coconut oil this way at bedtime until your symptoms resolve.
There are many different ways to treat or prevent a yeast infection. For prevention, Gaither suggests methods like increasing your intake of yogurt, taking probiotics, and taking acidophilus tablets. These "may be effective in reducing the chance of acquiring a yeast infection, by increasing the concentration of Lactobacilli in the vagina" she explains. "Lactobacilli help to prevent Candida from growing out of control." Other recommended treatments including showering and changing after exercise rather than remaining in the same clothing, not using scented products (including scented soap) in your vaginal area, keeping your vaginal area dry and clean, and avoiding douching.
Here are a few ways yeast infections can be treated, according to our experts:
Keep in mind that you should always speak to your health care practitioner before using any of these methods.
Coconut oil is known to have antifungal properties. It may be effective at treating some yeast infections, though there isn’t much research available right now to prove its efficacy in this way. If you decide to try using coconut oil to treat a yeast infection, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional first. And don’t forget to confirm you definitely have a yeast infection before trying this, too.
Zeng X, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Xue Y, Xu H, An R. Risk Factors of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Among Women of Reproductive Age in Xi'an: A Cross-sectional Study . Biomed Res Int . 2018;2018:9703754. doi:10.1155/2018/9703754
Cleveland Clinic. Yeast Infections . Updated October 26, 2019.
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Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter a valid email address.
FACEBOOK
PINTEREST
EMAILSHARE
Beth Krietsch is a freelance health and food writer with a Masters's Degree in Public Health Nutrition. She covers wellness for Byrdie, with an emphasis on food and nutrition.
Medically reviewed by
Sara Twogood, MD
Sara Twogood, MD is an obstetrician-gynecologist at Cedars Sinai with a passion for educating the public about female health and wellness.
Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor.
Felice Gersh , MD, is an OB/GYN and founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group in Irvine, California.
Kecia Gaither , MD, is double board-certified in OB/GYN and maternal-fetal medicine and director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln.
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
Please enter a valid email address.
Byrdie is part of the Dotdash Meredith publishing family.
If you’ve never had a yeast infection , count yourself among the lucky ones. Yeast infections are a surprisingly common condition, affecting somewhere around 70-75 percent of women at least once in their lifetime. Unfortunately, 40-50 percent of women will go on to experience a recurrence, as well. If you’ve had a yeast infection, there’s a solid chance you were willing to try nearly anything to alleviate the itching, burning, and other uncomfortable sensations that came along with it.
So if someone told you (i.e., TikTok) that coconut oil could be used to treat a yeast infection, would you try it? There are some rumors out there that coconut oil can do just that. So, to get to the bottom of this mystery, we reached out to two OB/GYNs, Dr. Felice Gersh and Dr. Kecia Gaither. Keep reading for more on using coconut oil to treat or even prevent a yeast infection.
Even though there are a number of over-the-counter yeast infection treatments available, yeast infections can still be tricky to get rid of. And for some women who have a particularly delicate vaginal microbiome , some of the more conventional yeast infection medications might even promote bacterial vaginosis and other conditions, leading to a tricky cycle of illness and infection.
Within a healthy vaginal ecosystem, there’s a balanced mix of bacteria and yeast, though this balance can be thrown off from things like the overgrowth of certain types of fungus, or when the fungus moves deeper into the vaginal cell layers. This can happen for all sorts of reasons, ranging from taking antibiotics, to pregnancy, increased estrogen levels, or even a weakened immune system.
The reason coconut oil has been suggested as a yeast infection treatment is that coconut oil is known to have antifungal properties. This is promising given that most vaginal yeast infections are caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. There isn’t a ton of research available that looks into the effectiveness of coconut oil in treating yeast infections, but in one study, coconut oil was shown to be effective as an antifungal agent against Candida albicans. Further research is needed before we can definitively say coconut oil can be effective in treating yeast infections.
Gynecologists have differing thoughts as to whether coconut oil can be used to treat a yeast infection. According to Gersh, coconut oil can kill yeast and can be used to treat vaginal yeast infections.
“Coconut oil is a fatty acid that has powerful antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-parasite, and antifungal properties,” she says. “In other words, it can kill various bacteria, viruses, parasites, and certain species of yeast.”
But Gaither isn’t so sure coconut oil is effective in this way. “There is no known confirmatory research indicating coconut oil as an effective methodology for treating vaginal yeast infections,” she says.
She explains that while yes, coconut oil does have antifungal properties, the strength of its antifungal properties may not be enough to eradicate a vaginal yeast infection. She adds that coconut oil could also alter the vaginal microbiome in a way that increases someone’s risk for other vaginal infections.
“It’s best to consult your health provider to verify that a yeast infection is the correct etiology, and prescribe effective antifungal treatment to eradicate the monilial infection,” she says.
Gersh also cautions that coconut oil shouldn’t be used to treat a yeast infection among women who are pregnant, as there isn’t sufficient safety data available on this. Additionally, she says coconut oil shouldn’t be used for recurring yeast infections, and that you should always confirm that you have a yeast infection before using this treatment.
If you have a yeast infection and want to give coconut oil a try as a treatment, you have a couple of different options for going about this. Gersh recommends applying coconut oil to a clean tampon and then inserting it into your vagina. Alternatively, “it can also be rubbed into the tissues with fingers.” She suggests using coconut oil this way at bedtime until your symptoms resolve.
There are many different ways to treat or prevent a yeast infection. For prevention, Gaither suggests methods like increasing your intake of yogurt, taking probiotics, and taking acidophilus tablets. These "may be effective in reducing the chance of acquiring a yeast infection, by increasing the concentration of Lactobacilli in the vagina" she explains. "Lactobacilli help to prevent Candida from growing out of control." Other recommended treatments including showering and changing after exercise rather than remaining in the same clothing, not using scented products (including scented soap) in your vaginal area, keeping your vaginal area dry and clean, and avoiding douching.
Here are a few ways yeast infections can be treated, according to our experts:
Keep in mind that you should always speak to your health care practitioner before using any of these methods.
Coconut oil is known to have antifungal properties. It may be effective at treating some yeast infections, though there isn’t much research available right now to prove its efficacy in this way. If you decide to try using coconut oil to treat a yeast infection, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional first. And don’t forget to confirm you definitely have a yeast infection before trying this, too.
Zeng X, Zhang Y, Zhang T, Xue Y, Xu H, An R. Risk Factors of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis Among Women of Reproductive Age in Xi'an: A Cross-sectional Study . Biomed Res Int . 2018;2018:9703754. doi:10.1155/2018/9703754
Cleveland Clinic. Yeast Infections . Updated October 26, 2019.
Do You Have Chronic Yeast Infections? This May Be Why
Ask a Dermatologist: How to Identify and Treat Fungal Acne
Tea Tree Oil for Hair: The Benefits and How to Use It
Bleeding After Sex: Causes and What You Need to Know
Probiotics For UTIs: Experts Explain How They Can Help
8 Natural Ways to Soothe Yeast Infections at Home
Undecylenic Acid Is One of The Most Effective Antifungal Ingredients Out There—Here's Why
Do Tight Workout Leggings Really Cause Yeast Infections?
What Is Athlete's Foot? Experts on Causes and More
QQ: Can You Take Antibiotics and Birth Control at the Same Time?
Experts on Why You Should Use Coconut Oil for Nails
The Best Probiotics for Women, According to a Dietitian
Can You Get Rid of BV Without Antibiotics?
People Are Using Monistat (Yes, Monistat) for Hair Loss—Are They Onto Something?
Can You Use Coconut Oil on Acneic Skin? We Asked Dermatologists
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By Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer
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How to Use Coconut Oil to Kill Yeast Infection (Candida) – The Ultimate Guide was last modified: February 18th, 2019 by Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer
Do you suffer from red itchy skin, thrush, fatigue and low energy or persistent bloating? These are just some of the signs of a yeast infection and you may be interested to know that you can use coconut oil for yeast infection. Read on to find out how to use coconut oil to prevent and treat yeast infections.
Yeast is a type of fungi which lives in our bodies and just as there are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria, so there are good and bad types of yeast. The scientific name for yeast is Candida and it usually lives in our digestive system.
Usually, a healthy immune system keeps yeast in its place, doing the functions they are supposed to do. However, certain medications and health issues can cause more yeast multiply, especially Candida albicans , resulting in a condition called Candidiasis ( a fungal infection caused by yeasts that belong to the genus Candida) . This can cause great discomfort and, if left untreated, can develop into a life-threatening condition.
Let’s have a look at the symptoms and causes of yeast infection and how to use coconut oil to treat yeast infection.
Yeast is found in very small amounts in our bodies. To keep yeast under control, we need a proper balance of bacteria in our digestive system. However, when something happens in the body to upset the delicate balance of bacteria, yeast can break through the intestine walls and get into the bloodstream.
This can cause fungal infections on the skin, in the mouth, and in the vagina. Vaginal yeast infections are very common in women and they can cause great discomfort. Commonly, it is referred to as thrush.
There are various factors that can cause yeast infections in people. The most common reason is taking medication which can interfere with healthy bacteria in the body. For example, antibiotics usually disrupt the digestive system and because of this yeast infections can spread (and in this regard read my article about the 3 things you should do after taking antibiotics to restore healthy intestinal flora ).
However, birth control pills, stress, alcohol, and/or eating too much sugar in your diet can also bring on yeast infections.
A yeast infection in the mouth (sometimes called oral thrush) will show up as white spots inside the mouth and on the tongue (see the 8 warning signs your tongue may be sending ), and a person will usually experience a sore throat and redness in the mouth.
Usually, the symptoms of vaginal yeast infections are severe itching in the genital area , swollen labia , vaginal discharge , and pain when urinating. There could also be pain when having intimate relationship.
Yeast infection (Candida) has to be treated with antifungal medications and it is also important to make diet and lifestyle changes. It is also necessary to take probiotics so that you build up a number of good bacteria in your body.
Let’s have a look at all the reasons why coconut oil is an excellent treatment for yeast infections and how to use it.
The way to kill off yeast infections, stop it spreading further and to make sure it doesn’t become a life-threatening condition is to administer antifungal treatments. However, the antifungal drugs that are usually prescribed can cause side effects and the yeast can become resistant to them.
There have been many studies carried out into coconut oil for treatment of yeast infection and scientists have found that it contains powerful antifungal prope
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