Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsVaginal DrynessVaginal ItchingBenefits and ConsiderationsWhen to Seek Care
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal Itching
Benefits and Considerations
When to Seek Care
Coconut oil has been used as a lubricant for vaginal dryness. It is also purported to treatyeast infectionsand ease the symptoms ofsexually transmitted infections. However, there is a lack of research that shows these uses of coconut oil are safe or effective.
Coconut oil is derived from coconut fruits. It is a white, solid-fat, edible oil that melts only if the temperature reaches 77 degrees Fahrenheit and above. It transforms into a liquid oil that is thin and clear when melted.
How Coconut Oil Helps Dryness
Studies have shown coconut oil is safe to use as a skin moisturizer, which has led to the belief that it is also safe to use as a lubricant.However, there is limited research on how safe and effective coconut oil is when it’s used as a lubricant.
One small pilot study found coconut oil in paste form was as effective as estrogen-containing therapies for vaginal dryness and pain with sex.However, more studies are needed and anyone looking to use coconut oil as a lubricant should do so with caution.
Coconut Oil and Condom UseCoconut oil should not be used in combination with latex condoms because this can lower the condom’s effectiveness and increase the risk of it breaking.Latex condoms should only be used with water-based lubricants. Oil-based lubricants break down latex, which can cause the condom to leak.
Coconut Oil and Condom Use
Coconut oil should not be used in combination with latex condoms because this can lower the condom’s effectiveness and increase the risk of it breaking.Latex condoms should only be used with water-based lubricants. Oil-based lubricants break down latex, which can cause the condom to leak.
Coconut Oil for Vaginal Itching
Yeast infections are very common, and they lead to itching of the vagina and vulva (skin around the vaginal opening). It’s estimated that at least 75% of people with vaginas will experience one at some point in their lives, with close to 50% experiencing more than one.
Coconut oil is one natural product people have used to treat yeast infections. Research suggests that coconut oil’s antimicrobial and antifungal properties may be an effective home remedy for this fungal infection. One in vitro study (done in the lab, not in humans) found that coconut oil is about as effective as the antifungal medicationketoconazolefor treating yeast infections.
Coconut oil may help killCandida, the yeast responsible for yeast infections, because of its medium-chain fatty acid, calledcaprylicacid. It helps infiltrate the cell of the yeast and rupture its cell walls, killing the cells and reducing the growth of the fungus.
However, clinical studies are needed to confirm the results of laboratory studies also apply to humans.
Can Coconut Oil Soothe an Itchy Vulva?Possibly. Many people with vaginas use coconut oil to calm down an itchy vulva and coconut oil does have antifungal properties. It may help to soothe itching from a fungal infection (likeCandida) and may help to bring vaginal flora into balance.
Can Coconut Oil Soothe an Itchy Vulva?
Possibly. Many people with vaginas use coconut oil to calm down an itchy vulva and coconut oil does have antifungal properties. It may help to soothe itching from a fungal infection (likeCandida) and may help to bring vaginal flora into balance.
Some people with vaginas may benefit from using coconut oil as a lubricant and moisturizer. They may find it a more natural and gentle remedy than other creams or chemical-based products.
While research has yet to demonstrate clear benefits of using coconut oil, it appears safe to use. However, some people with tree nut allergies may also be allergic to coconuts. If you are unsure, check with your allergist or other healthcare provider.
Oil-based lubricants like coconut oil can be messy to use and may stain clothing, underwear, and bedding. Ways to help prevent this include:
Avoid coconut oil products that may irritate the delicate tissues of the vulva and vagina, such as:
Is It Safe to Use Coconut Oil as a Lubricant?Yes, but with a few precautions. Coconut oil is safe to use on your skin and should be fine to use as a vaginal lubricant. However, some people with vaginas may be sensitive to coconut oil. Try it on a patch of skin before putting it on more delicate areas.
Is It Safe to Use Coconut Oil as a Lubricant?
Yes, but with a few precautions. Coconut oil is safe to use on your skin and should be fine to use as a vaginal lubricant. However, some people with vaginas may be sensitive to coconut oil. Try it on a patch of skin before putting it on more delicate areas.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
You should see a healthcare provider if you experience vaginal dryness or frequent yeast infections that don’t respond to coconut oil, other home remedies, or over-the-counter products.
It’s important to get an accurate diagnosis. Vaginal dryness and discomfort can have other causes besides low estrogen levels, including the use of certain medications or hygiene products.Your healthcare provider can order bloodwork or complete apelvic examto better understand and diagnose the cause.
Summary
Using coconut oil as a way to treat a yeast infection may help, but science has yet to definitively confirm that it’s a safe alternative to antifungal medications or other therapies.
More research is needed to confirm the efficacy of coconut oil as a lubricant and other purported benefits it can have for vaginal health. Talk to a healthcare provider before using coconut oil for vaginal dryness.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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