an 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 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.

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 a 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, 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 vaginal lubricant to help with dryness, especially during sex. Anecdotal proof aside, there are no scientific studies supporting whether coconut oil is a good choice.

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. And just because a product is “natural” doesn’t always mean it’s better for your vagina!

How effective is coconut oil for vaginal dryness?

Current medical literature doesn’t provide any robust evidence supporting its efficacy for vaginal dryness. 

One study looked at how various vaginal products, including coconut oil, affected beneficial vaginal bacteria. Coconut oil didn’t significantly disrupt vaginal flora like Lactobacillus crispatus, so while it might not be harmful in that sense, that’s very different from saying it helps. Another review discussed the use of coconut oil for skin conditions like eczema, but again, offered no solid evidence that it does anything meaningful for vaginal dryness.

And here’s an important nuance: for many women, especially those going through menopause, vaginal dryness is linked to a decrease in estrogen levels. Coconut oil doesn’t address that root cause. So while it might provide a temporary soothing effect for some, it’s not going to fix what’s really going on underneath.

The International Menopause Society and other clinical guidelines recommend using products that are specifically designed for vaginal dryness, like vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. These are formulated to closely mimic natural vaginal secretions in terms of pH and osmolality, which makes them not only more effective but also safer for long-term use. They’re especially helpful for women who can’t or choose not to use hormone-based therapies. Evvy’s Hyaluronic Acid Suppositories, for example, combine a moisturizing base with prescription-grade hyaluronic acid to promote hydration and elasticity, with no harsh irritants or additives. 

If you’re dealing with dryness regularly, you’re better off reaching for a product that’s actually designed to support vaginal hydration (and ideally, one that's backed by science.)

How to use coconut oil for vaginal dryness safely

If you’re considering coconut oil, it’s important not to just wing it. First things first: stick to external use only. Coconut oil should be applied to the vulva, not inserted into the vagina. Using it externally can help soothe irritation or chafing, and some people find it provides a bit of temporary moisture. But applying it internally can disrupt your natural balance and potentially increase your risk of infection.

If you do decide to give it a try, go for pure, unrefined virgin coconut oil with no added chemicals, fragrances, or preservatives. You want something as close to its natural form as possible (think cold-pressed). Even better, do a quick patch test on another part of your skin first, like your inner thigh, to check for any allergic reactions.

Before slathering anything on, it’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. Dryness and irritation can be caused by a wide range of things, from hormonal changes to infections to skin conditions, so it’s essential to get a proper diagnosis before you self-treat. Heading to the oil aisle at Whole Foods shouldn't be your first step.

Also, keep an eye on how your body responds. If you notice any changes in the way your discharge looks or smells, or if the dryness gets worse or turns into itching or burning, stop using the coconut oil and check in with your provider. These could be signs of an underlying infection or imbalance that coconut oil definitely won’t fix.

Potential benefits and risks

There’s currently no solid scientific evidence showing that coconut oil is effective for treating vaginal dryness. That said, it may offer some relief for vulvar dryness by providing a temporary barrier that locks in moisture and reduces friction.

But before you reach for the jar, it’s essential to understand the potential risks, especially with internal (intravaginal) use. One major concern is that coconut oil has an alkaline pH, while the vaginal environment is naturally acidic, with a pH between 3.8 and 4.5. This acidity helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria and prevents infections. Introducing a substance with a higher pH can throw off this balance, which may increase your risk of bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infections.

Research supports this concern. One study found that intravaginal use of oils, including coconut oil, was associated with an increased risk of colonization by Candida species, the fungi responsible for yeast infections. This suggests that rather than promoting vaginal health, coconut oil could actually promote fungal growth in some women.

Another risk to keep in mind is that coconut oil isn’t compatible with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants break down latex, making condoms less effective at preventing both sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies.

So, while using coconut oil externally on the vulva may be relatively low-risk for some, intravaginal use carries more significant concerns. If you’re dealing with ongoing dryness, it’s best to opt for clinically tested vaginal lubricants or moisturizers, which are specifically formulated to be safe, effective, and compatible with the vaginal environment. 

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 may recommend using a non-hormonal, over-the-counter vaginal moisturizer. These products are available as vaginal gels or suppositories, such as Evvy’s Hyaluronic Acid Suppositories. To alleviate external burning, dryness, and irritation, consider using Evvy’s Soothing Vulva Cream, which is formulated with prescription-grade hyaluronic acid, aloe, and vitamin E. These ingredients have been shown in clinical studies to soothe and moisturize effectively, sometimes as well as estrogen, without the use of hormones.

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 hypoallergenic, fragrance-free water-based lubricants or silicone-based lubricants, which are 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.

Can coconut oil cause a yeast infection?

Coconut oil may not directly cause yeast infections, but it can set the stage for them to develop. Some research suggests that when used vaginally, coconut oil can contribute to colonization of Candida species, the fungi that cause yeast infections. Another factor is pH. The vagina naturally has an acidic pH to help keep yeast and bad bacteria in check. Coconut oil, on the other hand, has an alkaline pH (above seven). Using it internally can disrupt the vagina’s delicate balance and create an environment where yeast can thrive. If you’re experiencing symptoms like itching, thick discharge, or irritation, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before trying to self-treat with coconut oil or any other home remedy. And when it comes to managing vaginal dryness or irritation, stick with products that are specifically formulated for the vaginal environment — they’re much more likely to help without increasing your risk of infection.