Is Coconut Oil Safe For Sex

Is Coconut Oil Safe For Sex
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It’s a popular natural option with many benefits—but there are some downsides to keep in mind, too.
Tons of women experience vaginal dryness, research shows, but that doesn’t mean your sex life has to suffer. Whether you’re feeling a bit dry down there or simply want to make sex feel even better , using a personal lubricant can provide the moisture you need so you can have the sex you deserve—and we all deserve great sex. Natural lubrication in women can diminish for a number of reasons, from taking certain medications (like birth control or antihistamines) to menopause , and using lube is a simple way to make sex feel more comfortable.
While there are tons of lube options on the market, many people prefer to go the natural route in order to avoid exposure to certain ingredients like parabens, says Alyssa Dweck, M.D. , an OB/GYN in New York and co-author of The Complete A to Z for Your V .
But you can’t just grab anything wet—some natural solutions are better than others. For instance, plain water isn’t a good lubricant because it can wash away your body’s natural lubricant, leading to dryness, and items with a petroleum base (like Crisco) can increase your chances of infection.
Enter coconut oil , already a multi-tasking product (it’s versatile for cooking and serves as a great natural moisturizer.) It’s probably the most popular natural lube option, Dr. Dweck says. But how does it stack up against the OTC lubes out there? Is it safe—and is it effective? Here’s what you should know about using coconut oil as lube.
In a nutshell: Coconut oil is generally a safe option to use as lube. “ Studies have shown that coconut oil is clinically proven for safe and effective use as a moisturizer. Its moisturizing properties may make the product an effective lube and allow for longer-lasting intercourse,” says Jessica Shepherd, M.D. , an OB/GYN at the University of Illinois at Chicago and advisor with Happy V .
Coconut oil aids with coating the vaginal tissue to reduce water loss, while soothing and hydrating the vagina. “It can help vaginal dryness, alleviate friction during sex, and minimize tears,” Dr. Shepherd says.
Two key things to know if you’re going to try coconut oil as lube: First, opt for unrefined coconut oil —it has less processing and bleaching, Dr. Shepherd says.
Then, you’ll definitely want to reach from a clean jar, says Robert Kiltz, M.D. , a diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and author of The Fertile Feast . “Most standard kitchen coconut oil comes in a big jar; you wouldn’t want to dig your dirty fingers in there time and time again over the course of six months or even years. This could lead to some bacterial growth and infections,” he says. So, use a spoon to scoop it out (and no matter what: wash your hands!).
If you’re prone to yeast infections , then it’s a good idea to steer clear of using coconut oil as lube. Dr. Kiltz says that the coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties as well as potential contamination can increase the rise of infections by disrupting the natural microbiome of the vagina. The normal pH of the vagina is acidic, and coconut oil can make it an alkaline environment, resulting in a disturbance of bacteria that can also lead to issues like bacterial vaginosis .
“The other limitation with any oil-based lubricant is that they are not considered condom-compatible, so if you are relying on a condom to protect you against STDs or pregnancy , you really can’t rely on it 100% when using an oil. Latex condoms may become compromised,” Dr. Dweck explains, adding that coconut oil can degrade latex.
And, although rare, there is a risk of allergic reaction when using coconut oil as lube, Dr. Kiltz says. If you’ve never used coconut oil before, apply a small amount to your wrist and take note of any changes, such as a skin rash , before using it as lube.
Lastly, coconut oil can be quite messy, staining sheets and clothing, so you’ll want to be cautious when using it during sex.
Coconut oil may not be your thing, but if you want to stay the natural route, you have some options, like olive or avocado oil. Make sure the olive oil is virgin and first pressed because “other oils are more processed and often involve added chemicals to further extract the oils,” which can irritate the vagina, Dr. Kiltz says.
You can also use pure aloe vera —just make sure it’s free of the cooling agents and additives that are sometimes added to aloe vera products to treat sunburns, he says. “The vagina is a mucosal membrane, unlike the skin,” Dr. Kiltz explains. The skin is a much stronger barrier and is less sensitive to chemicals in aloe vera products designed for sunburn that, if used as lube, could disrupt the vaginal microbiome, he says.
For OTC options, Dr. Dweck recommends silicone lubricants such as Uberlube . “Silicone lasts a long time and it’s not water-soluble, so you can use it in water,” she says, adding that silicone lubricants are also condom-compatible. Water-based lubes are also a great option because they’re “simple, cheap, and recognizable,” she adds, but just be mindful that they can lead to more dryness over time. You should scan the label to ensure there are no ingredients that you are sensitive to.
To combat dryness in general, you can also try vaginal moisturizers (like Replens ), which are “used more on a chronic basis, like every day or every other day, to help prevent dryness,” Dr. Dweck says. For those going through menopause , she says vaginal estrogens are great for those experiencing dryness, as they add moisture and can also be used as a lubricant during sex. Vaginal estrogens are used to treat dryness, itching, painful urination , and the sudden need to urinate in women who are experiencing menopause, but you’ll need a doctor’s prescription to get them.
Additional reporting by Alisa Hrustic
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Other than perhaps CBD oil, no other substance has received more headlines claiming super-healing powers than coconut oil. Dermatologists swear by its moisturizing powers, and health gurus proclaim its superiority to other oils in the kitchen. We know it’s excellent on your dry elbows and your sweet potatoes, but is it also good for your vagina?
While there are no current studies on using it specifically on the vaginal skin, women’s health professionals have found it effective for treating several kinds of vaginal issues:
In additional to vaginal uses, coconut oil also is recommended by my lactation consultant for nipple soreness. My athlete patients also use coconut oil on their nipples to prevent chaffing. And some of my postoperative C-section patients find that coconut oil tends to reduce the appearance of the scarring.
While studies on coconut oil are sparse when it comes to the vagina, the dermatology data is reassuring, and the risk of using it is almost nonexistent. So, if you are dealing with vaginal dryness or other vulvar issues then you might stop by the kitchen and try something easy, cheap, and natural for your problem.
Heather Rupe, DO, is a board-certified OB/GYN in private practice in Franklin, TN, and serves as the vice chief of staff at Williamson Medical Center. She is the co-author of The Pregnancy Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey to Motherhood and The Baby Companion: A Faith-Filled Guide for Your Journey through Baby’s First Year.
Childbirth, weight gain, hormonal changes, and more can have an effect on the contours of the vagina over time, but is this a problem?
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Here's what to know before you use it in bed.
Maybe you’ve been in the heat of the moment and realized you didn’t have any lube , leading to frantic scrounging around the kitchen for an alternative to use in a pinch . Or maybe you've been looking for an all-natural lube, just because. In either case, you may be wondering: Can I use coconut oil as a natural lube alternative?
Coconut oil is generally safe and ef
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Is Coconut Oil Safe For Sex

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