Coconut Oil the New Lube

Coconut oil is one of the few foods that can be classified as a "super food." Its unique combination of fatty acids can have profound positive effects on health. This includes fat loss, better brain function and various other amazing benefits. Now it is showing promising results on your private life.

These days, people are using coconut oil for everything: sauteing veggies, moisturizing their skin and hair, and even whitening their teeth. But gynecologists are the latest to notice another use: Many women are stashing the pantry staple in their bedside table, too-using it as lube, says Jennifer Gunter, M.D., an ob-gyn at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in San Francisco. "I've had patients asking about it."
 

There haven't been any studies looking at the safety of coconut oil as a lubricant, she explains. "So far it seems safe-I haven't had any patients report any negative side effects."

Plus, it's natural, preservative free, and affordable compared with traditional lubricants you find at the drugstore.

"In my practice, many women who experience vaginal dryness, have chemical sensitivities, or vulvar sensitivities report really liking it," Gunter says. An added bonus: Coconut oil contains natural antifungal properties so it could help reduce the risk of infections when using it. But still be sure to wipe it off after sex, as usual, and certainly don't douche-ever.

Coconut oil has a low melting point so as soon as you rub it in your hands, it will melt and you're good to go. Use it before a roll in the hay just as you would any other type of lubricant during foreplay and sex, Dr. Gunter says.

And when shopping for the spread, make sure to check that the ingredients list only one item-coconut oil-to ensure you're not absorbing other products that could potentially cause a reaction. Even if your current lube gets the job done, you may want to take a gander at the ingredients, too. "Stay away from lubricants with glycerin and parabens as these products can break down to irritants," Dr. Gunter says.

But before you dive into this tropical trend, make sure you're not allergic by rubbing some on your arm and watching the area for about a day for any redness, itching, or irritation. Return the favor by testing it on your guy's skin too.

"And don't use coconut oil if you're using latex condoms," Gunter adds. Oils and petroleum products-like Vaseline-may weaken latex and increase the risk of breakage. You don't have to forgo the slippery stuff with a condom-just be sure to use a polyurethane condom if you're lubing up with coconut oil, which won't break down in the presence of the oil.

And remember this: If you're trying to conceive, you may want to skip this "wonder" oil-and most others, for that matter. Many lubricants have been shown to change the pH in the vagina and hurt how well sperm swim, so they have a tougher time reaching their target. Although it isn't known whether coconut oil may have the same effect, stick with Pre-Seed-a recent study in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics found it has the smallest effect on sperm function compared to nine other popular lubes.

Jennifer Landa, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of BodyLogicMD and author of The Sex Drive Solution for Women says Is there anything coconut oil can't do? It adds extra taste (and health!) to your culinary creations, amps up your daily beauty routine, and helps you get ready for quality time between the sheets. The reason? Unlike other lubes, coconut oil is all natural and doesn't contain any preservatives or added ingredients that can cause adverse reactions in people with allergies, says Landa. "Plus, it's way more lubricating than a water-based version so it lasts longer." Coconut oil has also been shown to be anti-fungal, so it can help keep nasty yeast infections at bay. It even works great as a massage oil before or after sex, says Landa.

And yes, we're talking about the same kind you find in the drugstore or grocery store. Just be sure to look for pure coconut oil that doesn't contain any other added ingredients.
 

That said, this tropical lube isn't for everyone. There's always a chance you or your partner could be allergic to it, so be sure to test it out on less sensitive areas (like your arms or legs) before using it in the most delicate of places.

You also shouldn't use coconut oil with latex condoms, says Landa. "Coconut oil may break down the integrity of the condom." Plus, previous research found that most lubes-even oils-may reduce sperm mobility or alter the pH levels in your vagina, so you might want to steer clear of this if you're trying to get pregnant.

Bottom line is Pure coconut oil can be an awesome addition to your bedroom arsenal-just consider the limitations before you ditch your other lubes for good. Microwave it for a few seconds so it's warm to the touch and use it as a massage oil before sex. Not only will it feel fantastic, but it'll leave your skin moisturized and delicious.
 

When it comes to getting personal, coconut oil is a natural option you might want to consider. Its ability to penetrate skin and provide all that vitamin E makes it a wonderful massage oil. And since coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it is way less messy than liquid oils. However, you can heat the coconut oil for a warm, liquid massage oil that smells like the tropics. Coconut oil can also be used as a personal lubricant since it is completely natural with no parabens, petroleum, glycerin or chemicals. Added bonus: coconut oil won't stain the sheets.

Try Coconut Oil the new sex lubricant and experience the thrill.