Bad for Use With Condoms I am a former chronic UTI sufferer and write about the latest UTI-related research, advocating for the mindful use of antibiotics, smart preventive tactics, and focus on human microbiota. Use coconut oil as you would any other lube for sex: Apply it around the vulva and entrance of the vagina before and throughout all forms of play to help things slip and slide more comfortably. As your body metabolizes its fatty acids, they can help heal you from the inside out. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. But some people use coconut oil for a different reason: as a sexual lubricant. There is, however, a growing body of information about coconut oil, specifically virgin coconut oil (VCO), and its antimicrobial properties. post vigorous intercourse, sometimes called "honeymoon, ". However, as with any cosmetic product, youll need to balance natural ingredients and the lube performance. That said, ingesting coconut oil is relatively safe. When this is done, the solid fats separate from the liquid ones. You could also make your own DIY lubricant, using equal parts fractionated coconut oil and equal parts aloe vera. Refined coconut oil may also lose some of the benefits of unrefined coconut oil, such as antioxidants. level which is associated with an eight-fold increase in vaginal infections. You should finish all antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Only time will tell now whether I get any more utis. There is currently no clinical evidence that coconut oil can treat vaginal infections such as yeast infection and bacterial vaginosis. "Wait 24 hours to see if there is a reaction," she says. (2019). Coconut oil's moisturizing effect, though, simulates the feeling of your body's own natural lubrication, so you don't get any of that overly slick feeling. Mouth Yeast Infections. coconut oil wont hurt it (provided its pure silicone). Just note that coconut oil is readily absorbed by the skin and may not stay slick, Gilberg-Lenz says, which may contribute to friction, pain, and tissue damage. When ingested, coconut oil has proven antibacterial and antifungal properties. Uti is common in some women post vigorous intercourse, sometimes called "honeymoon cystitis". "And, of course, organic is always the first choice," she says. Mineral oils have been proven to decrease the strength of condoms3 by 90%, according to one study. For OTC options, Dr. Dweck recommends silicone lubricants such as Uberlube. (2014). No: Coconut oil is not only safe to rub on our skin but is widely used to improve skin health. It's long lasting. Urinary tract infections and candida albicans. To confirm an endometriosis diagnosis during laparoscopy, your surgeon has to take a sample. Avoid barrier birth control methods (e.g., condom or diaphragm) with spermicide. I tried antibiotics but the infection came back. It appears, there are multiple options: There is a variety of water-based lubes that will keep your vaginal flora intact. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Therefore, if you are using condoms, most likely they are either covered with lubricant or you add one yourself. Sex Reprod Health Matters. There are mixed reports about whether pure coconut oil is safe to use as an anal or vaginal lubricant. making penetration and sexual activity smooth and enjoyable. Here are three reasons coconut oil makes a suitable lube: On the flip side, here are four factors to be cautious of when using coconut oil as a sex lube: If you want to avoid UTIs, here are two fantastic coconut oil lube options to turn up the heat without the sexual health hazards: Coconus oil based lube formula features coconut oil as the key ingredient. Wendie Trubow is a functional medicine gynecologist with almost 10 years of training in the field. Thats because the bacteria doesnt have to travel as far to reach the bladder. 2021;44(9):1807-1818. doi:10.1007/s00449-021-02577-9, Sandupama P, Munasinghe D, Jayasinghe M. Coconut oil as a therapeutic treatment for alzheimers disease: a review. Nutiva Coconut Oil $8 at Amazon 8. "Coconut oil cannot be used with latex condoms because it can break down the latex and cause the condom to break," explained Dr. Landry. It's used for anything from dry skin to psoriasis to dermal infections. Coconut oil is not safe to use with condoms or most sex toys. If you have severe vaginal dryness and don't notice the lubricant making sex any easier, a coconut oil and water-based lubricant (like this one) may be more beneficial. .css-1pm21f6{display:block;font-family:AvantGarde,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1pm21f6:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1rem;line-height:1.3;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1pm21f6{font-size:1.125rem;line-height:1.3;}}The Best Sex Toys for Long-Distance Couples, 15 Best Anal Lubes, According to Sex Experts, 61 Best Valentines Day Gifts for Your Husband. Not all lubes are created equal, though. Most likely, you will see that either Glycerin or Sorbitol is one of them. The more naturally you go, the more likely therell be issues with how your lube feels and how long it works. That's something Florida-based OB-GYN Jennifer Landa, MD, chief medical officer at BodyLogicMD, also pointed out to Health. If you dont know if youre allergic, try a patch test on your skin. It has all the incredible characteristics of the oil based lube, combined with the relaxing effects of hemp. One of the biggest selling points of coconut oil is its affordability. This can also be the case with coconut. from Tufts University. Sliquid Organics Silk Lubricant's silicone and water-based formula is free of any unwanted additives and is safe to use with rubber, plastic, and latex. Coconut oil, however, may also have mild medicinal properties. Of course, not everybody who uses wrong lube gets a UTI. You taking too much vitamins. Some lifestyle measures may help, including drinking more water to flush out bacteria and drinking cranberry juice to ward off infection. So make sure to apply liberally and continue applying throughout the sexual experience as the area becomes dry again. Sticking dirty hands into the oil might increase the chances of turning the jar of coconut oil into a bacterial or yeasty petri dish. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. If you are using the condoms that are covered with lube, most likely they will have Glycerin as a component as well. The trend to use edible ingredients for application on the body is growing trend. Abby Moore is an editorial operations manager at mindbodygreen. Lets be clear: bacteria cause UTI when they reach your urethra. Unsure how to approach the topic of lube? I am using coconut oil on my eyebrows for moisturizing and regrowth. You can also drink coconut water, though it may not have as high a concentration of fatty acids. How to Use Lube to Make Sex so Much Better, Coconut Oil Might Cause an Allergic Reaction. (The wrath of the vagina strikes again). Final Thoughts On Using Coconut Oil As Lube. That means the oil can be used to get rid of UTI or bladder infection. . But if youre allergic to coconut, you shouldnt use coconut oil or drink coconut water. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Earlier I explained why you might be experiencing urinary tract infections (UTIs) if you are using condoms. (2009). Oil-based lubes can damage the material condoms are made from and lead to breakage. So there you have it, coconut oil is definitely safe to use as a stand-in or full-on replacement for your more familiar water-based lubricants. Read more to find out which products they sell and whether theyre effective. Using the right lubrication during sex can also prevent condom breakage. Please note that all links on this blog leading to Amazon are affiliate links. to break. Drink lots of water each day at least 8 cups. Getting a UTI isnt the end of the world. Heres what you should know about using coconut oil as lube. To do this, sex therapist Cyndi Darnell, MHSc, MNT, says to place a drop of coconut oil on your wrist and see how your skin reacts. This tropical treat might be the most useful ingredient in. formula features coconut oil as the key ingredient. "I would not recommend anything with fragrances or additional additives.". Are essential oils safe? Read our. But you dont want to add fuel to the bacterial infection, right? Here are a few considerations and precautions you should take when using coconut oil as lube. The. Unrefined coconut oil will have a distinctive coconut smell and taste to it. Halcn L. (n.d.). 2021;126(5):562-568.e1. So why do we say that lube causes UTI? Gwyneth Paltrow tells Goop readers to use COCONUT OIL in bed to avoid infections as she enlists a doctor to dole out lubricant and condom advice. Ok to try other lubercant e.g. It's an anti-bacterial so it kills bacteria. Osmolality is a measurement of the total number of solutes in a liquid solution expressed in osmoles of solute particles per kilogram of solvent (osmol/kg). The normal pH of the vagina is acidic, and coconut oil can make it an alkaline environment, resulting in a disturbance of bacteria that can also lead to issues like bacterial vaginosis. If you notice these symptoms, see a doctor STAT: But what can you do to protect yourself from UTIs? For the yeast, you should cut out sugar and carbohydrat Have UTIs have been clearly documented by proper professional evaluation, including positive tests for typical UTI bacteria (E. coli and others)? Ironically, however, when mixed with an equal amount of baking soda, coconut oil can be used as a stain remover (just apply to the stain, let sit for five minutes, and wipe away). That said, the study didn't specify what types of oils it was testing. Add Gift Wrap Add Gift Wrap ($4) People Also Bought The Teaser $38.00 Add to Cart The Quickie Kit $44.00 Add to Cart Awaken + Lube Bundle $78.00 $92.00 Add to Cart Apply Shipping Warranty for "If you are going to try coconut oil [as a] lube, be sure to only use a small amount," said Dr. Landry. This could lead to some bacterial growth and infections, he says. Her work has appeared in Womens Health, Good Housekeeping, Womans Day, Houston Chronicle, Business Insider, INSIDER, Everyday Health, and more. 3. After the solid components are removed, you're left with silky liquid coconut oil that is tasteless and odorless. If you've ever spilled oily food on your shirt, you probably know oils are some of the trickiest stains to removeespecially once the stain is dry. There is a trend to use coconut oil for cooking and coconut milk for drinks. Coconut oil helps to quickly moisturize the skin and induce wetness in those sensitive areas, which can cut down on excess friction or irritation. That said, preliminary studies2 suggest coconut oil may have helpful antifungal properties when consumed by mice, including lowering the colonization of the Candida albicans fungus. As a result, instead of making the tissue moisturized, this will pull the water out of the cells and will cause cellular damage. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). The skin is a much stronger barrier 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. Can You Use Coconut Oil As A Lube? Unlike many oils, at room temperature, coconut oil is a relatively thick solid. I've also read it's amazing for yeast infections. Coconut allergies will rarely cause an anaphylactic reaction, but they can cause rashes and blistering. And while you cant do anything about your anatomy, you can choose a better lube if you are UTI prone. Its a popular natural option with many benefitsbut there are some downsides to keep in mind, too. However, both ingredients are pretty much, sugars and therefore will promote yeast infections. Isadora Baum is a freelance writer, certified health coach and published author of three books. Drink plenty of water (filling and emptying your bladder helps to flush out bacteria.). There are also lubricants, that are predominantly oil-based (for example Coconu). Coconut oil has a basic pH (5.5-7.5) and antibacterial properties. Here are some of its gorgeous characteristics: Create a luxurious atmosphere with Coconus hemp and coconut body oil that doubles as a silky personal lubricant. First, there's the fact that coconut oilor any oil-based lube, for that mattercan mess with latex barriers like condoms and dental dams, making them more likely to break and leaving you. Journal of Future Foods. Learn about nine remedies for bladder infections that can ease symptoms and get rid of the infection. Clean the area around the vagina with water after vaginal or anal sex (to stop the spread of bacteria and yeast). is a measurement of the total number of solutes in a liquid solution expressed in osmoles of solute particles per kilogram of solvent (osmol/kg). Since a UTI is located in the bladder, using this oil topically wont necessarily stop the infection. The only thing I've changed in my diet is adding coconut oil and every? It is also suitable for preventing vaginal dryness. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. While the pH was normal for vaginal application, the osmolality turned out to be too high. According to one study done in India it has been proven to be more effective than conventional treatments for arthritis and the reduction of inflammation. A products osmolality is a numerical score of how concentrated the molecules are in that product. As per a study, mineral oils reduce the strength of condoms by about 90%. "It is moisturizing and lubricating and doesn't ball up like a lot of lubes you can buy.". The 43-year-old shared health advice from Dr . For past year I have experienced severe tinnitus/dizziness I started using a lot of coconut oil/water at the same time this started could it be cause. Many of the coconut oils have a pH of 5.5 to 7.5, which means if anything, it is alkalinizing the vagina . As a result, older adults and people with certain health conditions, like heart or kidney disease, may want to speak with their doctor before drinking coconut water. You can pick up a jar of coconut oil from most supermarkets for less than $5. Cons. Otherwise, you could end up risking infection and the degradation of your birth control and we wouldn't recommend that. 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