Can You Use Coconut Oil for Vaginal Dryness?

If you are looking for natural remedies for vaginal dryness, you've likely stumbled across coconut oil. This plant-based oil has a multitude of uses, and many skin care products use it. But, is it safe and effective to use coconut oil for vaginal dryness?

This article explores everything you need to know about coconut oil for vaginal dryness, including how it works, its benefits, and potential side effects. 

What Is Coconut Oil Used For?

Over the years, coconut oil has gained popularity as an all-natural skin moisturizer. Its moisturizing capabilities make it a primary ingredient in a wide range of beauty products—from lip balm and hair oil to stretch mark cream and lubricant. 

For example, coconut oil is one of the main ingredients in Joylux's moisturizing serum revitalizHER. Specifically, Joylux uses caprylic or capric triglyceride, which may seem like a mouthful. Caprylic is simply a compound of natural coconut oil and glycerin, a colorless and odorless liquid that also aids in hydration.

Because it is pH-balanced, revitalizHER is safe to use for vaginal dryness. When used in conjunction with the vFit device, it can help promote hydration from the inside out. 

Coconut oil has long been considered a beauty staple that is found in skin and hair care. Many women use it as a make-up remover. Others use it to help with eczema. 

But there are applications outside of beauty. Most commonly, coconut oil is widely used in cooking for its potential health benefits. It is a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a saturated fat type believed to increase the number of calories your body burns. However, no evidence shows that consuming coconut oil increases the rate of calories you burn.

Coconut Oil Benefits

Primarily, virgin coconut oil is an all-natural moisturizer with no chemical additives that could cause irritations. This means it is unlikely to cause inflammation in sensitive areas. However, it is also known for being a sort of natural antibiotic.

Antimicrobial

In addition to being an effective moisturizer, coconut oil has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Some studies suggest that it may be an effective natural remedy for yeast infections. However, more evidence is needed, and ultimately, you should consult your doctor to diagnose and treat a possible yeast infection. 

Studies also show that the medium-chain fatty acids found in pure coconut oil can inhibit C. difficile growth, bacteria that causes severe diarrhea.

Other commonly cited benefits of coconut oil include: 

• Protecting the skin barrier
• Anti-inflammation
• Cavity and gingivitis prevention 

Does Coconut Oil For Dryness Work?

Coconut oil is an effective and widely used home remedy for dryness. Studies show it's safe and effective for dryness, and its associated symptoms like inflammation, irritation, and painful intercourse. 

It has even been used to help with mild atopic dermatitis in children. When considering coconut oil for vaginal dryness, you’ll want to know if it is gentle enough to use down there.

Coconut oil for vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness doesn’t just occur during menopause. It can happen at any age due to various reasons like childbirth, chemotherapy around the pelvic area, birth control pills, smoking, severe stress, and so on. Therefore, you might consider using coconut oil for vaginal dryness at any point in your life. 

Coconut oil is safe to use externally in the outer areas of your vagina. Anecdotal evidence claims that using it internally might be beneficial, but it's best to consult your doctor before any internal use. 

Can Coconut Oil Help with Lubrication?

Vaginal dryness leads to problems like itchiness, irritation, and burning sensations, particularly during intercourse. Many women use lubricants to help with dryness during intercourse, and coconut oil is a common ingredient. But, is coconut oil good for lubricant? 

As a lubricant, coconut oil has a thicker coating than water or vaginal gels. The coating also lasts longer, saving you from frequent reapplications. Choosing a more natural lubricant option like coconut oil can help, especially if you have allergies or skin sensitivity. 

Coconut oil as a lubricant can reduce the everyday discomfort of vaginal dryness. It's cost-effective and readily available. Also, a little bit goes a long way, so a small amount will last quite a while. 

But, there are some considerations if you use coconut oil lubricants.

What are the Side Effects of Using Coconut Oil for Vaginal Dryness?

While coconut oil is all-natural without any chemical additives, it may have some effects. People using latex-based contraceptives like diaphragms and condoms should not use the oil as a lubricant. 

Oil-based lubricants like coconut oil can weaken and break the latex barrier in the condoms and cause them to rip. This increases the risk of unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Coconut oil may also not be the best choice of lubrication if you are trying to conceive either.

Note that not all vaginal lubricants and moisturizers are equal. Some may disrupt your vagina's natural pH balance, which increases the risk of infections. So, look for pH-balanced products. If you are prone to infections, you may need to speak to your health care provider before using coconut oil as a lubricant. 

Coconut oil has a ton of benefits from acting as a natural antibiotic to providing long-lasting moisture and shine to your skin. Its moisturizing properties make it a more natural and gentle option for relieving vaginal dryness. There are little to no risks or side effects of using it as a moisturizer. It can also be used as a lubricant but is not ideal for everyone. Like any new product you apply to your skin, test it out on a small area of skin first.