Can You Use Coconut Oil for Vaginal Dryness?

Coconut oil has been a crowd favorite for some time. From moisturizing the skin and softening hair to making a great plant-based alternative to butter, this versatile product has become a staple in many bathrooms, kitchens, and medicine cabinets. But have you ever wondered whether you can use coconut oil for vaginal dryness? 

Vaginal dryness is a frustratingly common condition. Although it's most common in menopause, it can affect women at any age and can be uncomfortable to deal with. 

While there are plenty of tried-and-tested treatments, many people turn to home remedies, like coconut oil, as an alternative to over-the-counter products or prescription options. It makes sense on paper: it’s accessible, affordable, and natural. But is it safe and effective for treating vaginal dryness? Keep reading to find out if you should be using coconut oil for vaginal dryness.

Causes of vaginal dryness

The vagina naturally produces mucus (commonly known as discharge) to keep its tissues moist and lubricated. However, hormonal changes, certain medications, childbirth, breastfeeding, and menopause can decrease lubrication. This leads to painful symptoms, including: 

• Vaginal itching and soreness
• Redness and inflammation of the vulva 
• Pain or discomfort during and after sex
• Bleeding after sex. 

Vaginal dryness is usually associated with a decrease in estrogen, which is essential to keep the vagina thick, lubricated, and elastic. When our bodies stop producing estrogen, such as during menopause or while breastfeeding, the vaginal tissue can become thin, dry, and more prone to irritation or infection. Lack of estrogen can also lead to urinary complaints such as urgency, frequency, and even recurrent UTIs.

Vaginal dryness can happen for non-hormonal reasons, too. Chronic skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, lichen planus, or lichen sclerosus can cause severe dryness and irritation of the vulva and sometimes vaginal opening. 

Occasional dryness during sex, on the other hand, is usually caused by lack of natural lubrication. Your vagina produces more lubrication in response to sexual stimuli — along with increased blood flow to the clitoris and labia — but sometimes signals get mixed and you don’t get “wet” enough. That’s where lube comes in handy! Lube makes penetration easier, and more pleasurable and reduces irritation or tearing caused by friction. (This is a good time to remind you that sex shouldn’t hurt or feel uncomfortable, ever). 

Is coconut oil good for vaginal dryness?

Coconut oil is used as a natural remedy for many health concerns, and some people have been turning to coconut oil as a lubricant to help with vaginal dryness, especially during sex. Anecdotal proof aside, there's no scientific evidence to support whether coconut oil is effective for vaginal dryness.

No research has been done on the safety or effectiveness of coconut oil as a treatment for vaginal dryness. Some studies suggest that coconut oil is generally safe to use on the skin, which has led to the belief that it’s also safe to use as a vaginal lubricant. It might be OK to use it on the vulva (the outer genitalia) to soothe any dryness but the jury’s out on its intra-vaginal use. 

We really don’t know whether coconut oil is good for vaginal dryness, and just because a product is “natural” doesn’t always mean it’s better for your vagina. Something else to keep in mind is that in the case of menopause, coconut oil won’t treat the root cause of vaginal dryness (aka decreased estrogen). 

There are a few contraindications to keep in mind. Coconut oil has an alkaline pH (over 7), while the vagina has an acidic pH (of around 3.8-4.5). Using coconut oil could alter the vaginal pH, increasing the risk of developing bacterial vaginosis (BV) or a yeast infection.

Furthermore, coconut oil isn't compatible with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants break down latex, increasing the risk of the condom breaking and making them less effective against unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).  

Whether or not you should use coconut oil for vaginal dryness or as lube is a personal choice. At the moment, there’s no evidence that it’s bad for you — but there’s no evidence to the contrary, either. 

If you wish to try it, make sure to pick pure, unrefined virgin coconut oil with no additives or fragrances. Before using coconut oil as lube or as a remedy for vaginal dryness, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. Itching and dryness in and around the vagina can be symptoms of many different conditions, so you should first get a clear diagnosis before heading over to Whole Foods. And of course, stop using coconut oil if you notice any unusual changes in the way your discharge looks or smells, as this can be a telltale sign of infection. 

What to use instead of coconut oil

Treatment for vaginal dryness depends a lot on the cause. First-line treatment for vaginal dryness caused by menopause usually includes a combination of hormone therapy and vaginal moisturizers. 

Your doctor might recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) if you’re also experiencing symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. If your symptoms are mostly vaginal atrophy and dryness, they might recommend vaginal estrogen, which releases a very low dose of estrogen directly into the vaginal blood supply, without being absorbed into the rest of the body. 

Your doctor might also recommend using a non-hormonal, over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer. These come in the form of a suppository or vaginal gel that’s inserted with an applicator. 

Lastly, lube is an essential arsenal in your toolkit (or rather, nightstand). Everyone should be using lube during penetrative sex, whether you deal with dryness or not. Opt for a hypo-allergenic, fragrance-free lube that is water- or silicone-based so it’s compatible with latex condoms.

FAQ

Is it OK to use coconut oil for lubrication?

Coconut oil is considered safe to use on the skin, but no research has looked into whether it's safe to use it as lube. Coconut oil is alkaline, which might affect your natural pH balance and increase your risk of vaginal infections. So it's probably safest to avoid using coconut oil if you know you're prone to BV or yeast infections, especially after sex. Something else to keep in mind is that oils break down latex, so coconut oil isn't compatible with latex condoms.

Does coconut oil prevent dryness?

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and can hydrate the skin, but there's no evidence that it can prevent dryness. Vaginal atrophy is typically caused by low levels of estrogen, infections, or chronic skin conditions, so while coconut oil may offer temporary relief, it won't prevent dryness.

What can I use for vaginal dryness?

Hormone replacement therapy, vaginal estrogen, vaginal moisturizers, and vaginal lubricants are all ways to relieve dryness. Which one is better suited for you will depend on the cause of your vaginal dryness, along with your health history and lifestyle. Your healthcare provider can help you find the best treatment for you.