What Is Coconut Oil Used For

Tons of women feel vaginal dryness, enquiry shows, but that doesn't mean your sexual activity life has to suffer. Whether you're feeling a scrap dry down there or simply want to make sex feel even better, using a personal lubricant tin can provide the wet yous demand and so you can take the sex y'all deserve—and we all deserve cracking sex activity. Natural lubrication in women can diminish for a number of reasons, from taking sure medications (similar nascency control or antihistamines) to menopause, and using lube is a simple mode to make sexual practice 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 Five.

But you can't only grab anything wet—some natural solutions are better than others. For instance, manifestly water isn't a skillful lubricant because it can wash away your body's natural lubricant, leading to dryness, and items with a petroleum base (like Crisco) tin increase your chances of infection.

Enter kokosnoot oil, already a multi-tasking product (it'southward versatile for cooking and serves as a slap-up natural moisturizer.) It'due south probably the most pop natural lube option, Dr. Dweck says. Only how does it stack up against the OTC lubes out there? Is it condom—and is it effective? Here'southward what y'all should know near using coconut oil every bit lube.

Is it safety to apply kokosnoot oil every bit lube?

In a nutshell: Coconut oil is mostly a safe option to employ as lube. "Studies accept shown that kokosnoot oil is clinically proven for safe and effective use as a moisturizer. Its moisturizing backdrop may brand the production an effective lube and allow for longer-lasting intercourse," says Jessica Shepherd, M.D., an OB/GYN at the Academy of Illinois at Chicago and advisor with Happy 5.

Kokosnoot oil aids with coating the vaginal tissue to reduce h2o loss, while soothing and hydrating the vagina. "It can help vaginal dryness, convalesce friction during sex, and minimize tears," Dr. Shepherd says.

Ii central things to know if you're going to endeavour kokosnoot oil as lube: Beginning, opt for unrefined coconut oil—it has less processing and bleaching, Dr. Shepherd says.

And so, 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 writer of The Fertile Banquet. "Most standard kitchen coconut oil comes in a big jar; you wouldn't desire to dig your dirty fingers in there fourth dimension and time again over the course of six months or fifty-fifty years. This could lead to some bacterial growth and infections," he says. So, use a spoon to scoop it out (and no affair what: wash your hands!).

Are there whatever risks to using coconut oil equally a personal lubricant?

If yous're prone to yeast infections, then information technology'south a skillful idea to steer articulate of using coconut oil as lube. Dr. Kiltz says that the coconut oil's antimicrobial backdrop too as potential contagion 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 information technology an element of group i 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-uniform, so if yous are relying on a rubber to protect you confronting STDs or pregnancy, you really tin can't rely on it 100% when using an oil. Latex condoms may become compromised," Dr. Dweck explains, calculation that coconut oil tin 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 earlier, apply a pocket-sized amount to your wrist and take notation of any changes, such equally a skin rash, before using information technology as lube.

Lastly, coconut oil can be quite messy, staining sheets and wear, then you'll want to be cautious when using it during sexual practice.

What if I don't love coconut oil? Are at that place similar options?

Kokosnoot oil may not be your matter, but if yous want to stay the natural route, you lot have some options, like olive or avocado oil. Brand certain the olive oil is virgin and first pressed because "other oils are more than processed and ofttimes involve added chemicals to farther excerpt the oils," which can irritate the vagina, Dr. Kiltz says.

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You lot can also employ 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 peel is a much stronger bulwark 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 fourth dimension and it's not water-soluble, and then you can use it in water," she says, adding that silicone lubricants are also condom-compatible. Water-based lubes are also a keen option because they're "simple, cheap, and recognizable," she adds, only just be mindful that they can lead to more dryness over time. Y'all should scan the label to ensure in that location are no ingredients that you lot are sensitive to.

To combat dryness in general, you tin besides attempt vaginal moisturizers (like Replens), which are "used more on a chronic basis, like every day or every other mean solar day, to help forbid dryness," Dr. Dweck says. For those going through menopause, she says vaginal estrogens are great for those experiencing dryness, as they add together moisture and tin can too be used as a lubricant during sex. Vaginal estrogens are used to treat dryness, itching, painful urination, and the sudden demand to urinate in women who are experiencing menopause, but y'all'll need a doctor's prescription to get them.

Additional reporting past Alisa Hrustic

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