Is Coconut Oil the Next Best Sexual Lubricant? Solving Vaginal Dryness One Coconut At a Time

• Can I use coconut oil for vaginal dryness?
• Is coconut oil a good sex lube?
• Is this safe to use on and in my vagina?
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Let’s address these pressing questions and figure out if coconut oil is safe to use as an all-natural vaginal lubricant.

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Coconut oil totally has a seat at the popular table

Coconut oil is an internet sensation. Over the years, it has gained popularity for its use as an all-natural skin moisturizer, hair oil, lip balm, and stretch mark savior. And now, it’s all hailed as the perfect sexual lubricant.

Some people prefer to use plant-based oils as all-natural lubricants as opposed to commercial lubricants that often have parabens, dyes, and perfumes.

Solid until heated (by body heat), coconut oil has a slick, silky smooth texture on the skin.

Perfect for moisturizing or lubricating (insert winky emoji here). However, it does raise a bit of concern that you can roast potatoes and lubricate with the same product.

So, is using this multifaceted plant oil in such a delicate place safe or healthcare provider recommended? Let’s find out.

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Read Related: Can Coconut Oil Help With Faster Hair Growth? Hair Benefits and How To Apply Coconut Oil

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Is coconut oil as a lube safe?

Well, the jury is still out. The information available on the efficacy of coconut oil used as a sexual lubricant is largely anecdotal.

This is because there is a lack of scientific research that focuses on the vaginal application of coconut oil.  

Limited studies have evaluated coconut oil on external skin, but those findings do not establish its safety for vaginal use.

To be safe, before using coconut oil on your delicate areas, make sure to patch test.

To patch test:

1. Use a small amount of the product on the skin of your arm.
2. Place a bandage over this area and let sit for 24 hours.
3. Check the area for a reaction after 24 hours (some symptoms to look for are below) before trying it as a lubricant.

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Discontinue use if after patch testing you experience any of the following:

• itching
• flushing
• swelling
• irritation or discomfort

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Also Read: 7 Ways To Help Increase Vaginal Lubrication Without Hormones

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These OBGYNs recommend coconut oil as a personal lubricant

While we cannot lean on scientific evidence (because of the lack of research), we can highlight gynecologists and their experiences with coconut oil.

Women's health physician Sherry Ross MD, says  “Coconut oil is a natural, preservative-free, and cost-friendly lubricant”.

Michigan based Obstetrics and Gynecology healthcare provider Nancy Herta used to recommend olive oil to her patients as a natural lubricant. She says “..but I now recommend coconut oil”.  Obstetrics and Gynecology physician Jennifer Landa, MD. told Health “One of my favorite natural lubricants is extra virgin coconut oil”.

Integrative Gynecology physician Tracy Scheller, MD “If someone wants something all organic, just go for a natural product like organic coconut oil”.OB/GYN Dr. Anna Cabeca raves about coconut oil, named her “favorite lubricant” and vaginal dryness saving grace.  

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5 Benefits of coconut oil as a lube

1. It’s antimicrobial

Proven to help restore the skin barrier, coconut oil also boasts antifungal, and antimicrobial properties -- so much so that this plant oil can also fight yeast infections and urinary tract infections.

2. It’s economical

In a volume and longevity comparison, a jar of extra virgin, all organic coconut oil is a very economical purchase compared to a commercial lubricant.

Because it’s an oil, a little bit goes a very long way. You can expect to spend 10-12 bucks on a good jar of coconut oil, and it will last quite a while.

3. It’s discreet

If you’re prone to blushing while the checkout clerk rings up your delicates, coconut oil is beyond stealthy.

Heck, throw it in with your weekly food shop and no one will bat an eye.

4. Oils are more effective than water-based lubricants

Oil-based lubricants last longer than water-based lubricants. Water-based products tend to dry out long before an oil-based product.

This will cut down on the amount of product you’ll need, and it won’t cut into the heat of “the moment” as much.

5. This lubricant is also a vaginal moisturizer

Double duty, coconut oil can act as a sexual lubricant and be used to treat and relieve the everyday discomfort of vaginal dryness.

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When to skip coconut oil for vaginal dryness

Here are a few things to consider if you want to try coconut oil as a personal lubricant.

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‍A word of caution to those using latex-based condoms

‍Coconut oil (and ANY oil-based lube) can breakdown diaphragms and condoms and cause breakage in latex contraceptives. This can introduce unwanted effects such as STIs, or unwanted pregnancies.

‍A word of caution to those trying to get pregnant

‍Because of the thickness and antimicrobial properties of coconut oil, it might make sperm travel and survival more challenging.

Dr. Joanna Ellington says "Coconut oil has been shown to decrease sperm motility in animal models." If you are trying to conceive, you might want to skip coconut oil as a sexual lubricant.

‍Consider your vaginal PH

‍An important player in vaginal health is vaginal bacteria: vaginal flora.

When anything makes contact with a vulva or a vagina, PH levels can be affected. Coconut oil as a lube might affect your vaginal PH.

However, any lubricant can have an effect. (Shifting hormones, antibiotics, a tampon, finger, penis or tongue will too.) Keep your PH in mind when anything comes in contact with your vulva or vagina.

If you find that coconut oil does not combine well with your personal PH, ditch the stuff and try something else.

Coconut allergies

‍If you have a coconut allergy, do not use coconut oil topically or orally.

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Buy high-quality organic coconut oil

Here are a few things to look for when shopping for coconut oil.

1. No artificial perfumes.
2. Look for “virgin” or “extra virgin” or “unrefined”.
3. Buy organic and plastic-free to avoid unwanted chemicals.

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Learn More: 6 Vaginal Dryness Treatment Options for Women

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Talk to your healthcare provider about lubricant alternatives

If you are in the market for a lubricant just for ease and functionality, talk to your healthcare provider about natural alternatives that they recommend to their patients.

If you are looking for a vaginal dryness remedy, here are some alternatives you can explore with your healthcare provider:

• Natural plant-based oil lubricants (coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil)
• Prescription vaginal moisturizers can help with short-term vaginal lubrication.
• Prescription compounded women’s enhancement creams may help support blood flow and lubrication in the short term.*
• Low-dose estrogen creams or tablets
• Selective estrogen receptor modulators

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Learn more about Strut O Cream for increased vaginal blood flow

Here at Strut Health, we offer a compounded prescription cream for application to the vaginal area before sexual activity. This cream contains the prescription ingredient Sildenafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, and may help women with a temporary increase in vaginal blood flow and lubrication.

Purchase or learn more about Strut O Cream today.

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Using coconut oil as a lubricant: Bottom line

• Some research has evaluated coconut oil on external skin, but no specific research cited here establishes its safety as a vaginal lubricant.
• Some clinicians have discussed coconut oil as a lubricant, but their opinions do not establish its safety or effectiveness for vaginal use. Discuss lubricant options with a qualified healthcare professional and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
• Before trying coconut oil as a lube, patch test for 24 hours.
• Coconut oil can dissolve latex condoms or diaphragms.

*Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. Rx required.