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Coconut oil has tons of health benefits and is versatile AF. It’s so great, you just might want to bring it into the bedroom. Here’s how to use coconut oil for sex and how to tell if it’s the right lubricant for you.

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Condoms beware!

DO NOT mix mineral lubes (like coconut oil) with latex. One 1989 study showed that even 60 seconds of mineral oil contact can decrease a condom’s success rate up to 90 percent. Yikes.

Stick to silicone- or water-based lubes if you’re slaying that condom life.

A research review showed that high grade coconut oil is totes safe to use on your skin, hair, and in food. But what about your more sensitive areas?

A lot of peeps swear by coconut oil as their go-to personal lubricant. But there’s little to no science that shows how successful it is compared to other lubes, so keep that in mind before you buy an XXL jar online.

Here’s how coconut oil might improve your sexy time.

Vaginal sex

Coconut oil is a nice lube option if your vagina is on the sensitive side. With no added toxins or chemicals, the all-natural wetness is super appealing. Compared to commercial lubes, it might be better for folks with allergies or delicate skin.

Bonus: Coconut oil has natural anti-fungal properties. One study showed that it can fight against bacteria called C. albicans, which cause yeast infections.

A moment for menopause

Coconut oil might be super helpful for folks going through menopause. It can combat common symptoms like:

Anal sex

Your butt hole is a sensitive place. Thin tissue inside your anus can tear or bleed during sex. And since your anus doesn’t create wetness on its own, lube is a must.

Coconut oil might also work well with anal-play silicone sex toys like vibrators and butt plugs.

But(t) coconut oil has a thicker consistency than other lubes. This can leave residue inside and out. If you don’t clean the area super well post-sex, the buildup can feel weird or uncomfortable.

Oral sex

People love cooking and gargling with coconut oil. So it’s 10/10 safe for oral sex. Just make sure it’s food grade!

But even though it’s safe, it might not be your thing. It really comes down to taste. If you’re not a fan of coconut in your food, you prob won’t like a penis or vagina that tastes like it either.

Pro tip: If you lather the coconut oil on yourself right out of the jar, you might be disappointed. Warm it up in your hands before going down town. This gives it a silky, smooth consistency.

Vaginas are basically self-cleaning ovens. They’re naturally slightly acidic to keep bad bacteria at bay. But coconut oil is alkaline, which could throw off your coochie’s pH balance, leading to infections and irritation. So, play it safe and stick to other lubes if you get yeast infections on the reg.

Reminder: Coconut oil can seriously damage latex condoms and dental dams. Switch to non-mineral lubes if you’re using latex birth control or other barrier methods.

Quality counts

Stick to unrefined coconut oil, which doesn’t go through a bleaching process. Refined oils are more processed and may cause irritation.

Allergy attacks

Coconut oil allergies are rare, but they can happen. They usually occur when the oil is ingested, but topical reactions are possible.

Keep an eye out for signs of an allergic reaction, including:

  • hives
  • nausea
  • eczema
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • skin rashes
  • skin blisters

PSA: In rare cases, you can go into anaphylactic shock, which is a medical emergency that requires attention ASAP.

Test it out

Since your skin around your genitals and anus is more sensitive than the rest of your body, you might have an unexpected allergic reaction. Def do a patch test before using coconut oil during sex or masturbation.

Think of lube as a smörgåsbord of colors, flavors, and sensations. There’s literally something for everyone. Here are the most popular varieties:

  • Water-based: It’s a fab option since it’s so versatile. You can use it in just about any sexual scenario. Bonus: It won’t hurt latex.
  • Silicone-based: Silicone-based lube is silky smooth. It’s also hypoallergenic, so allergic reactions are rare. It also tends to last longer than other types of lube.
  • Oil-based: Oil-based lubes go on thin and are great for a slip n’ slide effect. They’re also great for a sex-massage combo pack 😉. The downside? One 2013 study showed that oil-based lubes are linked to increased infection rates, including bacterial vaginosis. They can also deteriorate condoms.

Coconut oil is a safe and effective moisturizer that can be used as a sexual lubricant. Just keep in mind that it’s not for everyone. And that’s OK! If you’re not coconuts for coconut lube, you still have tons of other options like silicone-based lubes and water-based ones.