Vaginal lubrication is essential during sex, helping to relieve some vaginal dryness and reduce pain during intercourse. Coconut oil is a product that has been proven safe and effective as a moisturizer.
1. Should coconut oil be used to lubricate the vagina?
If your sex life is suffering, it could benefit from a little lubrication. In a 2015 study, about 30% of women reported pain during their most recent sexual contact.
Vaginal lubricants can not only relieve some of the vaginal dryness that can cause this discomfort, but they can also help increase sensitivity and arousal.
Vaginal lubricants work by reducing friction in your genitals. This can be helpful if your body is not producing enough lubricant due to aging, medications, or hormones. While there are many different vaginal lubricants designed specifically for this purpose, you may want to consider using coconut oil if you want to try something more natural and free of some of the chemicals found in other products.
Coconut oil is also known for its moisturizing properties, making it an especially appealing lubricant.
2. Benefits of Coconut oil as a vaginal lubricant
According to a 2014 study, coconut oil has been clinically proven to be safe and effective as a moisturizer. The moisturizing properties of coconut oil may make it an effective vaginal lubricant and allow for longer intercourse. For women going through menopause, coconut oil can be especially helpful, as the following common symptoms of menopause can increase the need for lubrication:
- Vaginal dryness
- Pain during sex
- Loss of fatty tissue, which creates thinner tissue around the vaginal skin
In particular, vaginal atrophy can make sex more difficult, so it’s important to address any pain associated with sex. For those with allergies or sensitive skin, opting for a more natural option like coconut oil, which has no added chemicals or toxins, can also make for an appealing lubricant.
You’ll probably want to look for unrefined coconut oil, as refined oils are more processed. Unrefined coconut oil doesn’t go through the bleaching process that happens with refined coconut oil. Despite these potential benefits, more research is needed to see exactly how using coconut oil as a lubricant can benefit you or your partner during each sexual encounter.
3. Unwanted Effects of Using Coconut Oil as a Vaginal Lubricant
There are some risks associated with using coconut oil as a vaginal lubricant that you should consider before adding it to your routine. There is currently no scientific research on how coconut oil works as a personal lubricant. Many of the claims about using coconut oil as a personal lubricant have not been proven, so it is important to proceed with caution until further research is done.
3.1 Coconut Oil May Reduce the Effectiveness of Latex Condoms
According to a 1989 study, exposing a condom to coconut oil for 60 seconds can reduce the effectiveness of the condom by up to 90%. If you are using a latex condom or dental dam, it is important to use a water-based or silicone-based lubricant to stay safe.
3.2 Increased risk of vaginal infections
Coconut oil may increase the risk of vaginal infections, because coconut oil has a high pH, making it alkaline, while the normal pH of the vagina is acidic. These properties can disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina. This discomfort can lead to vaginal yeast infections or other vaginal infections. If you are prone to yeast infections, you may want to avoid using coconut oil as a lubricant until further research is done.
3.3 Allergic reactions
Coconut oil can cause an allergic reaction when used as a vaginal lubricant, but this is rare. If you are allergic to coconut oil, it can cause symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Eczema
- Diarrhea
- Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency
- A local allergic reaction to coconut oil will usually result in milder symptoms such as a rash or blisters.
3.4 Staining your sheets
Coconut oil, like many vaginal lubricants, can stain sheets. If you notice yellowing, apply baking soda to the affected area and let it sit for an hour before washing the sheets.
In short, coconut oil can be used as a vaginal lubricant during sex. However, please consider carefully the benefits and reactions you may encounter before using. If you are allergic to coconut oil, choose other more suitable lubricants.
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Reference source: healthline.com
