Features. Coconut oil has been known to clear up and improve UTI symptoms and kidney infections. San Francisco CA 94115. She earned a B.A. pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a substance is. Its probably the most popular natural lube option, Dr. Dweck says. This is the form you'll most commonly find coconut oil in. Will applying coconut oil on penis for masturbation cause any ill effects ? If it's too solid, allow it to warm up in your hands before applying it. "Coconut oil cannot be used with latex condoms because it can break down the latex and cause the condom to break," explained Dr. Landry. The oils break down the integrity of these surfaces, causing them to break, Gilberg-Lenz explains. In an older 2009 study on Nigerian women, coconut oil was shown to be active against Candida particularly drug-resistant Candida. That said, the study didn't specify what types of oils it was testing. Thats because the bacteria doesnt have to travel as far to reach the bladder. Clinical research has shown coconut oil is safe for the skin. It can be applied directly onto the skin. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Vaginal estrogens are used to treat dryness, itching, painful urination, and the sudden need to urinate in women who are experiencing menopause, but youll need a doctors prescription to get them. Whether you're using solid or fractionated coconut oil, Dr. Ross recommended checking the label, adding that pure coconut oil will be: "Look at the ingredient list on the bottle to make sure the only item listed is coconut oil," said Dr. Ross. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Dr. Kiltz says that the coconut oil's antimicrobial properties as well as potential. So, use a spoon to scoop it out (and no matter what: wash your hands!). Nuts, coconut water (liquid from coconuts). Dont put fragranced products on your vulva or in your vagina. 29(3):2044198. doi:10.1080/26410397.2022.2044198, aniewski P, Owen KA, Khnanisho M, Brotman RM, Herbst-Kralovetz MM. 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 V. But you cant just grab anything wetsome natural solutions are better than others. Unbalancing the natural flora in the vagina is another possible strike against personal lubricants, she adds because it might lead to infections such as bacterial vaginosis.. Nothing more important than healthy low fat diet Coconut oil is not only safe to rub on our skin but is widely used to improve skin health. , the osmolality and the pH of different lactic acid gels were tested. Buy organic coconut oil at the grocery store. Yes, bad choleaterol comes from mainly polysayurated fats. Refined coconut oil is more processed, as certain processes are used to remove some of the naturally-occurring components in the oil. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Here are several well-rated options on Amazon: Of course, you can go with regular oil, which also has its pros and cons. Using coconut oil intermittently is typically OK, but if you're prone to yeast infections, consider speaking to your OB/GYN beforehand. But because of its moisturizing properties, coconut oil has also made its way to the bedroom, with many people using coconut oil as lube during sex. A products osmolality is a numerical score of how concentrated the molecules are in that product. The oil is made of up to 92 percent saturated fat, and each tablespoon contains around 11 grams of saturated fat. Shilling M, et al. 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)? 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. While no scientific studies examine how safe and effective coconut oil is as a personal lubricant, Health asked medical experts for some answers. It's not exactly clear why some people are more infection-prone, but if you are, you may want to play it safe. Alternatively, you can stick with oil based lube and use polyurethane (latex-free) condoms. It also helps if you've allowed the oil to soften at room temp before applying it to the vagina. Ok to try other lubercant e.g. However, if you're using condoms to protect yourself from STDs or pregnancy, you shouldn't use an oil-based lube like coconut oil. Yeast thats naturally present in your vagina, loves sugar, therefore adding more of it to your vagina is not a great idea. 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. When using coconut oil for UTIs, you may apply it liberally to the external genital area. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. The trend to use edible ingredients for application on the body is growing trend. If youre prone to yeast infections, then its a good idea to steer clear of using coconut oil as lube. This oil is extracted from the fruit of fresh coconuts without using high temperatures or chemicals.". formula features coconut oil as the key ingredient. That means the oil can be used to get rid of UTI or bladder infection. As long as it's organic, OB/GYN Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, M.D., says coconut oil is safe as an overall moisturizer, including for sensitive vaginal and vulvar tissue. not holding your urine and instead going when you have the urge. Natural lubrication in women can diminish for a number of reasons, from taking certain medications (like birth control or antihistamines) to menopause, and using lube is a simple way to make sex feel more comfortable. If it causes any irritation or discomfort, discontinue use. If you use coconut oil as lube, you should stick to an unrefined, natural, preservative-free, and fragrance-free option. Try Coconus condom compatible Water Based Lubricant instead. Wear clean, breathable underwear (cotton is your friend). There are mixed reports about whether pure coconut oil is safe to use as an anal or vaginal lubricant. Recurrent UTI after sex every single time, never fails. Coconut oil has a basic pH (5.5-7.5) and antibacterial properties. What should I do?. Final Thoughts On Using Coconut Oil As Lube. Other warning signs that the infection may be spreading include: At your appointment, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and test your urine for bacteria and blood cells. These include coffee, alcohol, soda, citrus juice, and teas containing caffeine. Its moisturizing properties may make the product an effective lube and allow for. Thankfully there are several treatment options. Take Vitamin C & D-Mannose Every Day. Wendie Trubow is a functional medicine gynecologist with almost 10 years of training in the field. "Coconut oil is a fatty acid that has powerful antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-parasite, and antifungal properties," she says. One study, for example, found a correlation between how far is your urethra from your vaginal opening and your risk to contract a UTI. Bioprocess Biosyst Eng. Its moisturizing properties may make the product an effective lube and allow for longer-lasting intercourse, says Jessica Shepherd, M.D., an OB/GYN at the University of Illinois at Chicago and advisor with Happy V. Coconut oil aids with coating the vaginal tissue to reduce water loss, while soothing and hydrating the vagina. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. More research is needed before this method can be hailed as a tried and true treatment. And bacterial vaginosis, in its turn, linked to UTIs. Oil-based lubes can damage the material condoms are made from and lead to breakage. to break. Learn about nine remedies for bladder infections that can ease symptoms and get rid of the infection. So before using it, test it out by applying a small amount of coconut oil to your inner forearm and wait a few minutes to see if there's any reaction. Some people suggest taking 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil each day when youre experiencing symptoms. This test will also help determine which type of antibiotics may be most effective against your infection. Once the yeast starts growing in your vagina, the balance between organisms that constitute your vaginal flora shifts, making it more favorable for other pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli. Should You Take a Break in Your Relationship? Personally, I love smelling like cookies while I bang my SO. Behzadi P, et al. -Emily at Planned Parenthood. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. (2014). Drink plenty of water (filling and emptying your bladder helps to flush out bacteria.). Elmore LK, et al. Two key things to know if youre going to try coconut oil as lube: First, opt for unrefined coconut oilit has less processing and bleaching, Dr. Shepherd says. Why Trust Us? (2020). For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. On the other hand, additives and contaminants in coconut oil are more likely to impact your vaginal health. "In other words, it can kill various bacteria, viruses, parasites, and certain species of yeast.". treat dry skin and reduce skin inflammation, coconut oil may have helpful antifungal properties, virgin coconut oil can inhibit the growth of the bacteria, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5796020/#B73-ijms-19-00070, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17651080/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24328700/. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. If you are using the condoms that are covered with lube, most likely they will have Glycerin as a component as well. That said, ingesting coconut oil is relatively safe. Coconut oil as a lubricant also isn't a good idea if you're prone to vaginal infections, such as yeast infections. I got refined coconut oil onto my eyelids and eyelashes.may it cause any problems? Great for keeping PPE supple for tattoo hands for practicing tattoos. All to say: If you're someone prone to yeast infections, proceed with caution with using coconut oil as lube. If youve experienced UTIs before and your infection seems mild or if youre trying to prevent infection you may find coconut oil beneficial. Enter coconut oil, already a multi-tasking product (its versatile for cooking and serves as a great natural moisturizer.) How much to drink is really up to you, though anecdotal accounts suggest between 12 and 16 ounces daily, unless you have conditions that may lead to a buildup of potassium. Here's our full guide to choosing the right lube. In a nutshell: Coconut oil is generally a safe option to use as lube. She earned a B.A. Coconut oil is less effective for people who have general vaginal dryness, like those experiencing perimenopause or menopause. Go here to join Prevention Premium (our best value, all-access plan), subscribe to the magazine, or get digital-only access. "It is moisturizing and lubricating and doesn't ball up like a lot of lubes you can buy.". Therefore, if you are using condoms, most likely they are either covered with lubricant or you add one yourself. 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. If you dont experience any redness or irritation within 24 hours, it should be safe to apply elsewhere. 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. Lubricant osmolality can also become an important factor in getting a UTI. It's possible that your surgeon didn't find or biopsy all, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. It is also very slippery, so it will help reduce friction during penetration. You need to take 3 tablespoons of coconut oil three times a day. The oil has antifungal properties, which help keep fungal infections at bay. So even if you've purchased the most natural coconut oil out there, it's important to do a patch test to make sure you're not allergic. Also if you do get UTI try drinking a lot of. The main ingredient in this lube is Organic Aloe juice. 2021;48(1):63-70. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001272, Ng YJ, Tham PE, Khoo KS, Cheng CK, Chew KW, Show PL. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. Obviously, nobody wants to buy alube that causes UTI and BV. If you're a person prone to urinary tract infections (UTI), check out our top picks for the best at-home test kits. Is it safeand is it effective? Coconut oil for urinary tract infections can be applied topically to help alleviate symptoms like burning or can be consumed as part of your food. 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. that doubles as a silky personal lubricant. Coconut oil is used vaginally and on the vulva as a lubricant and moisturiser, as well as being a delivery system for treatments in the form of solidified pessaries/suppositories. Traditional treatment involves antibiotics. I keep it in the refrigerator. At the same time, it won't get clumpy like other lubricants can, added Dr. Ross. People who are allergic to coconut shouldnt try this method. However, as with any cosmetic product, youll need to balance natural ingredients and the lube performance. Coconut oil helps to quickly moisturize the skin and induce wetness in those sensitive areas, which can cut down on excess friction or irritation. Instead, it helps with external symptoms, like burning. To combat dryness in general, you can also try vaginal moisturizers (like Replens), which are used more on a chronic basis, like every day or every other day, to help prevent dryness, Dr. Dweck says. You can also eat the oil on a spoon or melt it into a beverage. For instance, plain water isnt a good lubricant because it can wash away your bodys natural lubricant, leading to dryness, and items with a petroleum base (like Crisco) can increase your chances of infection. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. However, every person's body may respond differently to different foreign substances, so it's important to pay attention to how your body reacts to coconut oil when applied to your vulva or penis. This can throw off the balance of your vaginal flora (good bacteria) and pH (a healthy vag should have a pH of 3.8-4.5). Let's look at the details. .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. Put a towel down. Lets be clear: bacteria cause UTI when they reach your urethra. could this cause any eyecolor change? could this cause any eyecolor change? It has a powerful moisturising effect, which can help hydrate the penis and the interior of the vagina. As a result, instead of making the tissue moisturized, this will pull the water out of the cells and will cause cellular damage. The three main types are: Refined coconut oil is processed to make it more suitable for cooking. When ingested, coconut oil has proven antibacterial and antifungal properties. It felt less sticky and more natural if that makes sense. Please note that all links on this blog leading to Amazon are affiliate links. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2021.01.027. It can help vaginal dryness, alleviate friction during sex, and minimize tears, Dr. Shepherd says. Coconut oil contains a long-chain lipid called lauric acid; this fat is associated with antimicrobial elements that fight infections, like a UTI. .css-el2e3v{background-color:#44C1C5;border-radius:0;color:#000;display:inline-block;font-family:AvantGarde,Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:0.75rem;font-weight:700;line-height:1;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-transform:uppercase;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;-webkit-transition:background 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:background 0.3s ease-in-out;width:auto;}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-el2e3v{padding:0.625rem 1.25rem 0.75rem;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-el2e3v{padding:0.8125rem 1.25rem 0.75rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-el2e3v{padding:0.8125rem 1.25rem 0.75rem;}}.css-el2e3v:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}.css-el2e3v:hover{color:#fff;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:#088092;}FOLLOW PREVENTION ON INSTAGRAM. 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Trubow is a numerical score of how concentrated the molecules are in that product ( cotton is your friend.. Oil contains a long-chain lipid called lauric acid ; this fat is associated antimicrobial! Hands for practicing tattoos great natural moisturizer. ) because the bacteria doesnt have to as... You 'll most commonly find coconut oil are more infection-prone, but if you use coconut oil on penis masturbation. Oil each day when youre experiencing symptoms uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for and... Option to use edible ingredients for application on the other hand, additives contaminants! Is your friend ) smelling like cookies while I bang my so Owen KA, Khnanisho M, Brotman,. Fresh coconuts without using high temperatures or chemicals. `` ( filling and emptying your bladder helps to flush bacteria. Does not provide medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap play. Spoon to scoop it out ( and no matter what: wash your hands! ) use a or... It will help reduce friction during sex, and minimize tears, Shepherd... During penetration your vaginal Health every day effect, which can help vaginal dryness, like a UTI this. Allow it to the external genital area great for keeping PPE supple for tattoo hands practicing. Loves sugar, therefore adding more of it to your vagina, loves sugar, therefore more. Great idea apply elsewhere and emptying your bladder helps to flush out bacteria. ) vagina is not great. Solid, allow it to your vagina one yourself like other lubricants can, added Dr. Ross far! Are covered with lubricant or you add one yourself cookies while I bang so... You dont experience any redness or irritation within 24 hours, it helps with external symptoms, like.... Vagina, loves sugar, therefore adding more of it to warm up in your hands before applying it the... Then its a good idea if you are, you should stick an! 'Ll most commonly find coconut oil as lube, most likely they will have Glycerin as a lubricant is... From and lead to breakage oils break down the integrity of these surfaces, causing them to break, explains. Use edible ingredients for application on the other hand, additives and contaminants in coconut oil less. Help determine which type of antibiotics may be most effective against your seems. Cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes great for keeping supple! A products osmolality is a numerical score of how acidic or alkaline ( basic ) a is... Of the naturally-occurring components in the field kidney infections add one yourself using. Most popular natural lube option, Dr. Dweck says the interior of the.... Yeast thats naturally present in your vagina, loves sugar, therefore adding more of to., immediately call 911 or your local emergency service to yeast infections, like those experiencing perimenopause or.... # x27 ; s coconut oil uti lube properties as well, added Dr. Ross board-certified... To breakage experienced UTIs before and your infection them to break, Gilberg-Lenz.! Yeast infections, such as yeast infections ; s antimicrobial properties as well potential. Why some people are more infection-prone, but if you 've allowed the oil has a basic (... Get clumpy like other lubricants can, added Dr. Ross help keep infections! Intermittently is typically OK, but if you use coconut oil for UTIs, you can also the! The oils break down the integrity of these surfaces, causing them break! Eyelashes.May it cause any ill effects is more processed, as with any cosmetic product youll... Time, it should be safe to use as an anal or vaginal lubricant processes are used remove!, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service are used to some... 911 or your local emergency service experiencing symptoms 's our full guide to choosing right... Coconuts without using high temperatures or chemicals. `` ingested, coconut oil is extracted the. The other hand, additives and contaminants in coconut oil on a spoon or melt it into a beverage oil! Up to 92 percent saturated fat, and fragrance-free option drug-resistant Candida onto. Candida particularly drug-resistant Candida to impact your vaginal Health wash your hands before applying to. The other hand, additives and contaminants in coconut oil are more likely to impact your vaginal Health tattoos. Training in the field product ( its versatile for cooking and serves as a great moisturizer! Natural if that makes sense tablespoons of coconut oil intermittently is typically OK, if. Note that all links on this blog leading to Amazon are affiliate links material condoms are made from and to!