What can coconut oil do?
Vaginal dryness is a problem faced by many women regardless of age. Additional lubricants can help relieve discomfort during intercourse and in everyday life.
Coconut oil has already made waves in the beauty world with its moisturizing properties for hair and skin. Its soothing benefits are not limited to these spots. In fact, more and more women are turning to coconut oil to relieve vaginal discomfort.
Read on for its benefits, how to make it work for you, and things to keep in mind before using it.
Does it really work?
More than 65% of women use personal lubricants to relieve vaginal dryness. There is little research on coconut oil as a lubricant, but there is some evidence of its moisturizing properties for other skin conditions.
A 2013 study looked at coconut oil and its effects on skin hydration in children with atopic dermatitis. Participants apply virgin coconut oil or mineral oil to their skin after bathing each morning and evening.
Researchers have concluded that virgin coconut oil is suitable for treating dryness and related skin conditions for the following reasons:
act as a hindrance
moisturizing and antibacterial properties
wide availability and security
There are no clinical data to support the use or safety of coconut oil in and around the vagina.
In general, coconut oil is considered safe to use externally on the skin. Although internal use can be beneficial, you should talk to your doctor before using it.
What are the benefits of using coconut oil?
In addition to being a proven moisturizer, coconut oil also has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that help fight urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and some drug-resistant infections like C. difficile.
It is also natural. Unlike traditional lubricants, pure coconut oil is free of additives and other irritants. This means that it is less likely to cause inflammation in an already sensitive area.
Coconut oil and other oil-based lubricants have a thicker coating than water- or gel-based varieties. This cover may last longer. This means you don’t have to worry about reapplying all the time.
You can find coconut oil at most grocery stores and online—usually for less than $10. Since it’s an oil, a little goes a long way, so you can get a lot of use out of one bottle.
Coconut oil is a more cautious purchase than conventional lubricants.
Are there any side effects or risks to consider?
Coconut oil does not contain any chemical additives, but it is still a foreign substance in your body. Always do a skin patch test before full application. This will allow you to determine how your skin will react.
To do this:
Rub a little coconut oil on the inside of your forearm.
If you do not experience redness, itching or other irritation within 24 hours, it is safe to apply elsewhere.
It’s important to remember that anything you put around or in your vagina can affect your vaginal pH. A pH imbalance is not dangerous, but it can increase the risk of infection.
Contraceptives and effects on pregnancy should also be considered. Lubricants can weaken and break condoms. This puts you and your partner at risk for sexually transmitted diseases. If you use condoms as your primary method of birth control, this breakdown increases your risk of pregnancy.
Coconut oil is not good for sperm travel. If you and your partner are trying to conceive, you may want to explore other options.
In general, coconut oil is messy. If you’re not careful, it can stain your fabric or clothes.
How to use
There are no formal studies on the use of coconut oil as a personal lubricant. Much of the information and advice you find on the Internet is anecdotal and should be followed with caution.
You should always talk to your doctor before trying any other method. They can discuss any side effects or interactions with you.
Local coconut oil
Coconut oil is generally considered safe to apply liberally to the skin outside the vagina. If you want to use coconut oil internally, talk to your doctor first.
Always do a skin patch test before applying coconut oil to your vagina. To do this:
Rub a little coconut oil on the inside of your forearm.
If you do not experience redness, itching or other irritation within 24 hours, it is safe to apply elsewhere.
There are no specific guidelines for how much coconut oil to use or how often to apply it. Apply as much as you want on your skin
t oil in your diet if you aren’t allergic. Note, though, that each tablespoon of oil contains 11 gramsTrusted Source of saturated fat. Current American Heart Association recommendations are to consume no more than 13 gramsTrusted Source of saturated fat each day.
How you eat the oil is up to you. Some people take it straight off a spoon while others melt it into a warm beverage.
Drinking coconut water
Coconut oil and coconut water are two different things. The water comes from the inside of an immature coconut. You can find it at many grocery stores.
Like coconut oil, coconut water may help flush out bacteria. It may also help relieve dehydration, which can worsen symptoms of vaginal dryness.
How much you drink is really up to you — just be sure to keep your overall calorie count in mind by checking the nutrition label. Unlike regular water, coconut water contains calories and nutrients that count towards your daily intake.
Tips for product selection
If you choose to use coconut oil as a personal lubricant, look for unprocessed pure virgin coconut oil. Organic varieties have also been exposed to fewer pesticides. Read the labels carefully.
You can buy coconut oil in liquid or solid form. You can melt solidified coconut oil in the palm of your hands and rub it into your skin.
Talk to your doctor
Talk to your doctor before applying topical coconut oil to your vaginal area. They can discuss your individual risk of side effects and interactions.
They may also be able to recommend alternative solutions, such as:
vaginal moisturizers (Replens)
low-dose estrogen creams or tablets
selective estrogen receptor modulators
Coconut oil may help lubricate your vagina after one application, but you’ll need to reapply as your symptoms return. Repeat applications are the only way to keep the area moisturized.