in coconut oil are more likely to impact your vaginal health. will any interfere with bcp's? If yes it possibl Dr. Natalie Hodge and another doctor agree. I am a former chronic UTI sufferer and write about the latest UTI-related research, advocating for the mindful use of antibiotics, smart preventive tactics, and focus on human microbiota. When using coconut oil for UTIs, you may apply. Most likely, you will see that either Glycerin or Sorbitol is one of them. "The less messed with, the better," functional medicine gynecologist Wendie Trubow, M.D., says. Apply heat to help with bladder pressure and pain. It has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties that can kill bad bacteria but does not kill the good bacteria. 1. Its probably the most popular natural lube option, Dr. Dweck says. Unsure how to approach the topic of lube? Research shows its higher in vitamin E and other bioactive ingredients. Between 50 and 60 percent of adult women and about 12 percent of men will have at least one UTI in . And, although rare, there is a risk of allergic reaction when using coconut oil as lube, Dr. Kiltz says. But it does help to understand the known causes and symptoms of UTIs. If youve experienced UTIs before and your infection seems mild or if youre trying to prevent infection you may find coconut oil beneficial. When I got my hands on a bottle I could see that it's formulated with. Sex What you are getting is not UTI but its symptoms. 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). But what about coconut oil? The company sent me some samples for a talk I gave recently and after I tried it myself I continue to use it. "Partially hydrogenated and [some] refined coconut oils contain additives that can be irritating or even leave the skin dryer than before," explained Dr. Landry. The skin is a much stronger barrier and is less sensitive to chemicals in aloe vera products designed for sunburn that, if used as lube, could disrupt the vaginal microbiome, he says. Follow her on Instagram for the latest on health, wellness, and lifestyle. Coconut oil has been proven to treat dry skin and reduce skin inflammation 1 when used as a moisturizer. Coconut oil is mostly safe to use as a lubricant. 2022;2(1):41-52. doi:10.1016/j.jfutfo.2022.03.016, Kruse L, Lor J, Yousif R, Pongracic JA, Fishbein AB. The oils break down the integrity of these surfaces, causing them to break, Gilberg-Lenz explains. Learn about nine remedies for bladder infections that can ease symptoms and get rid of the infection. Bad for Use With Condoms They'll. This is due to lauric acid, also present in breast milk and that has . She earned a B.A. There are a few risks associated with the use of coconut oil as lube that you should consider before adding it to your routine. It's slick, and because it's a natural product, it's appealing. Drink lots of water each day at least 8 cups. Tags: safer sex, lube. Although it is possible for any food to cause a UTI, there are current. There isnt any research specifically on the use of coconut oil to treat UTIs. Coconut oil has been used as a moisturiser for centuries, and studies prove its effectiveness: a 2019 paper from the Journal of Traditional and Complimentary Medicines found coconut oil suppressed inflammatory markers and enhanced skin barrier function, while a 2004 paper from the Dermatitis journal reported that coconut oil improved skin hydration in people with the skin condition xerosis. Unfortunately, lube could be a big UTI trigger and if you are UTI prone, start by changing your lube. My dh didn't care for it, but it felt better than using the preseed. Coconut water is able to cure urinary tract infection and it can also dissolve kidney stones. Using coconut oil intermittently is typically OK, but if you're prone to yeast infections, consider speaking to your OB/GYN beforehand. Your medicine for UTI is antibiotics? Will applying coconut oil on penis for masturbation cause any ill effects ? One study, for example, found a correlation between how far is your urethra from your vaginal opening and your risk to contract a UTI. Thats because the bacteria doesnt have to travel as far to reach the bladder. Next time, pick the ones without lube and use a better lube instead. However, there are some best practices you can abide by to prevent UTIs. 6 Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), Your Guide to Emphysematous Cystitis (EC) and How to Treat It, What Happens If Endometriosis Isnt Found During a Laparoscopy?, Apply a small amount of coconut oil to your forearm. But what is the best lube for UTI prone? Whether youre feeling a bit dry down there or simply want to make sex feel even better, using a personal lubricant can provide the moisture you need so you can have the sex you deserveand we all deserve great sex. 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. Candida is a fungus naturally found in the vagina, though its overgrowth is typically what causes yeast infections. With long-term use, the antibacterial properties can affect your vagina's pH balance by disrupting the natural bacteria, Cabeca says. This paper has since been cited in studies focused on coconut oils potential use on preterm infants and fighting certain kinds of strep, among other medicinal applications. Stay away from beverages that irritate the bladder. If you begin to experience discomfort, odor, or discharge when having sex, discontinue use and speak with your doctor. Coconut oil is less effective for people who have general vaginal dryness, like those experiencing perimenopause or menopause. 2021;126(5):562-568.e1. Avoid barrier birth control methods (e.g., condom or diaphragm) with spermicide. 2021;48(1):63-70. doi:10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001272, Ng YJ, Tham PE, Khoo KS, Cheng CK, Chew KW, Show PL. Way! 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. This can also be the case with coconut. The MCFAs in the oil work as a natural antibiotic by disrupting the lipid coating on bacteria and killing them. Mouth Yeast Infections. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. But, here is one more reason: condoms that are covered with lubricant or used with one, might disrupt vaginal flora and therefore affect your chances of getting a UTI. It has all the incredible characteristics of the oil based lube, combined with the relaxing effects of hemp. However, if you're using condoms to protect yourself from STDs or pregnancy, you shouldn't use an oil-based lube like coconut oil. And bacterial vaginosis, in its turn, linked to UTIs. The coconut oil base made it seem like a more natural product, so I immediately assumed it would get along with my vagina and my favorite vibrator, The Perfect Match by Sweet Vibrations. Obviously, nobody wants to buy alube that causes UTI and BV. It will not cause any ill effects. Unlike many oils, at room temperature, coconut oil is a relatively thick solid. Just like with soaps and other types of lubes, scents and unnecessary additives may cause irritation to the vulva or vagina. I hope you know about the importance of healthy vaginal flora to help you keep in check your own E. coli bacteria. Thankfully there are several treatment options. Drink plenty of water (filling and emptying your bladder helps to flush out bacteria.). What do we really know about it so far? A comprehensive review on the techniques for coconut oil extraction and its application. But is coconut oil a safe lubricant for your vaginaand are there any drawbacks? While the pH was normal for vaginal application, the osmolality turned out to be too high. You can also drink coconut water, though it may not have as high a concentration of fatty acids. There are a few reasons not to use coconut oil as lube. Using lube during sex. Clinical and personal lubricants impact the growth of vaginal lactobacillus species and colonization of vaginal epithelial cells: an in vitro study. There are mixed reports about whether pure coconut oil is safe to use as an anal or vaginal lubricant. Only water- and silicone-based lubricants can be used with latex condoms without risking breakage, said Dr. Landry. Virgin coconut oil that has not been overprocessed is a better choice than nonvirgin coconut oil. Please support us and go on a shopping spree with Amazon :). Its multi-purpose use means that it can be manufactured and sold as a commodity, driving down the price substantially. 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. While antibacterial and antifungal properties may sound like a good thing, bacteria and fungi naturally live in the vagina and often promote vaginal health. It can help vaginal dryness, alleviate friction during sex, and minimize tears, Dr. Shepherd says. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Breaks Latex Condoms. Anecdotally, some individuals swear by coconut oil as a soothing treatment for infections, despite the lack of evidence. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. The jury is still out on whether or not coconut oil as a lube can cause a UTI. Coconut oil: Not likely that coconut oil would cause UTI . While it may not be the best lube for everyone, Gilberg-Lenz says it's helpful for people who experience sensitivity or dryness at the entrance of the vagina and upon penetration. Are essential oils safe? Some lifestyle measures may help, including drinking more water to flush out bacteria and drinking cranberry juice to ward off infection. There is a trend to use coconut oil for cooking and coconut milk for drinks. A researcher involved in the study hypothesized that its likely that the beneficial bacteria died because of the ingredient chlorhexidine, an antibacterial agent. Another study found the medium-chain fatty acids in virgin coconut oil can inhibit the growth of the bacteria 4Clostridium difficile4 (C. diff), which leads to inflammation in the colon and severe diarrhea. Do you have a bladder infection? There isnt any research specifically on coconut oil and UTIs, so you wont find doctor-recommended dosages for this treatment. How to Use Lube to Make Sex so Much Better, Coconut Oil Might Cause an Allergic Reaction. What should I do?. It's not exactly clear why some people are more infection-prone, but if you are, you may want to play it safe. All rights reserved. I have been taking oil of oregano/goldenseal/and garlic supplements to prevent uti's for their natural antibiotic prop. Clean the area around the vagina with water after vaginal or anal sex (to stop the spread of bacteria and yeast). not holding your urine and instead going when you have the urge. Coconut oil may not be your thing, but if you want to stay the natural route, you have some options, like olive or avocado oil. Because of antibiotic resistance, more and more people are seeking alternative treatments for UTIs. Coconut oil can be found at your local grocery storejust check the labels to make sure you're buying certified organic. Coconut oil comes in handy and might make Sex smooth and pleasant. This form tends to leave less of a stain than liquid oils might, but it can still leave a stain. coconut oil wont hurt it (provided its pure silicone). People who are allergic to coconut shouldnt try this method. Many people also use it to moisturize their hair and skin. Rukmini JN, et al. M MrsLKiks Treatment of dermal infections with topical coconut oil. You taking too much vitamins. This could lead to some bacterial growth and infections, he says. Halcn L. (n.d.). berlube is silicone-based, clear, and tasteless. Like all oil-based lubricantsartificial or naturalcoconut oil can potentially degrade the latex in the condom. 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. While plain coconut oil didnt do much to inhibit the growth of the bacteria, the growth did slow when the cells were exposed to 0.15 to 1.2 percent lipolyzed coconut oil. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. The scent. Condoms contain latex rubber, which easily suffers wear and tear when it comes in contact with oil-based lube. Ky jelley. "It is moisturizing and lubricating and doesn't ball up like a lot of lubes you can buy.". With growing awareness of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, you. Some people suggest taking 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil each day when youre experiencing symptoms. First, take a look at the ingredients listed on the bottle of your personal lubricant. Regardless of how you use it, coconut oil is unlikely to further aggravate your UTI. (2015). pH is a measure of how acidic or alkaline (basic) a substance is. Kennedy CE, Yeh PT, Li J, Gonsalves L, Narasimhan M. Lubricants for the promotion of sexual health and well-being: a systematic review. Dont put fragranced products on your vulva or in your vagina. Coconut water is the liquid inside an immature coconut. Heres an overview of different types of lube and how likely they are to mess with your vaginal flora and sexual health: Expired lube can cause allergic reactions, burning, itching, dryness, bacterial vaginosis, and UTIs So check that expiry date! 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. 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