Coconut oil and vaginal health.
Coconut oil was used as a means of treating yeast infection, lubrication to relieve dry vaginal and natural remedy to alleviate the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases. However, studies confirming the safety or even the effectiveness of such the use of coconut oil are not enough.
What is coconut oil?
Coconut oil is obtained from coconut fruits. This is white, solid fatty oil, which melts only at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius and above. When melting, it turns into transparent liquid oil, thin and transparent.
Is coconut oil useful for health?
Although coconut oil contains some beneficial fats, it is not a super -product, as many people say. There are a lot of saturated fats in coconut oil. The use of too large fat fats is associated with heart disease and obesity. (1)
Coconut oil as a lubricant
All women at some point in their life are faced with dry vagina. This can be caused by aging, medication or a change in hormonal background. When this happens, it can cause pain during intercourse. In such cases, lubricants can come to the rescue.
Although many types of lubricants are designed specifically for use in such situations, some people prefer to use natural products for these purposes, for example, coconut oil.
Studies have shown that coconut oil is safe for use as a moisturizing agent, which led to the belief that it is also safe for use as a lubricant. (2)
However, studies about how safe and effective coconut oil when used as a lubricant are limited. Therefore, everyone who wants to use coconut oil as a lubricant should do this with caution.
Coconut oil and using condoms
Coconut oil should not be used in combination with latex condoms, since this can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the condom and increase the risk of its gap. (3) Continels should only be used with lubricants on water, silicone or water-slylic based.
Coconut oil and yeast
Yeast infections are incredibly common. According to estimates, at least 75% of women at some point in their lives are faced with one of them, and about 50% with several. (4)
Coconut oil is one of the natural products that people used to treat yeast infection. Recent studies show that thanks to the antimicrobial and antifungal effect of this substance, it can be an effective home tool for the treatment of this fungal infection. One of the studies in vitro showed that coconut oil has the same effectiveness as the antifungal drug Ketoconazole in the treatment of yeast infections. (5)
How coconut oil kills yeast?
Coconut oil can help kill Candida yeast that cause yeast infections, due to the medium -chain fatty acid contained in it, called Capril. (6) It helps to penetrate the yeast cage and destroy its cell walls, killing cells and reducing the growth of the fungus, as one study of in vitro has shown.
We will summarize
Additional studies are needed to confirm the effectiveness of coconut oil as a lubricant and other alleged advantages that it can have for the health of the vagina. Yeast infections cause discomfort, but usually they are harmless if they are treated. The use of coconut oil as a means of treating yeast infection can help, but science does not confirm that this product is a safe alternative to antifungal drugs. Therefore, before using it for this purpose, you need to consult a doctor.
Answers to popular questions
Is it safe to use coconut oil as a lubricant?
Yes, but with some precautions. Coconut oil is safe for the skin and can be used as vaginal lubricant. However, some women can be sensitive to coconut oil. Before applying it to more sensitive areas of the skin, try it on the skin.
Do not use coconut oil as lubrication when using latex condoms. Oil lubricants destroy latex, which can lead to spoilage of the condom material.
Is it possible to use coconut oil as a lubricant if I have an allergy to nuts?
Probably yes. If you or your partner do not have an allergy to coconuts, you can use coconut oil as a vaginal lubricant. Some people with allergies for wood nuts can be allergic and coconut. If you are not sure, consult an allergist.
Can coconut oil calm the itching of vulva?
Maybe. Many women use coconut oil as lubrication to calm the itching of vulva. Coconut oil can even help calm the itching caused by a yeast infection. It has antifungal properties that can balance the vaginal microflora.
(1) MedlinePlus. FACTS ABOUT SATUREETED FATS.
https: // medlineplus.GOV/Ency/PatientIntinStructions/000838.htm#: ~: text = heart%20disease%20risk.,For%20heart%20Disese%20and%20stroke.
(2) Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago Jl. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int j mol sci. 2017 Dec 27; 19 (1): 70. Doi: 10.3390/IJMS19010070
https: // doi.Org/10.3390/IJMS19010070
(3) Geibel S. Condoms and Condments: Compatibolyy and Safety of Personal Lubricants and Their Use in Africa. J Ints SOC. 2013 Jul 9; 16 (1): 18531. Doi: 10.7448/IAS.16.1.18531
https: // doi.Org/10.7448/IAS.16.1.18531
(4) U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health. Vaginal Yeast Infections.
https: // www.Womenshealth.GOV/A-Z-Topics/Vaginal-Yeast-Infections#: ~: Text = Women%20and%20girls%20OF%20ALL, HAVE%20TWO%20More%20infections.
(5) Shino B, Peedikayil FC, Jaiprakash SR, AHMED BIJAPUR G, KOTTAYI S, Jose D. . Scientifica (Cairo). 2016; 2016: 7061587. Doi: 10.1155/2016/7061587
https: // doi.Org/10.1155/2016/7061587
(6) Omura Y, O’yoon B, Jones M, Pallos a, Duvvi H, Shimotsuura Y. Caprylic Acid in the Effective Treatment of Intractable Medical Princes of Frequent Urination, Incontinence, Chronic Upper Respiratory Infection, Root CanalLoled Tooth Infraction , Als, etc., CAUSED by Asbestos & Mixed Infections of Candida Albicans, Helicobacter Pylori & Cytomegalovirus with or about Other Microorganisms & Mercury. Acupunct Electrother Res. 2011; 36 (1-2): 19-64. Doi: 10.3727/036012911803860886
https: // doi.Org/10.3727/036012911803860886
