Is Kelapa Oil Safe To Be Used As Sex Lubricant?
JAKARTA - Coconut oil is known to be versatile, ranging from cooking ingredients, face moisturizers, to natural makeup cleaners. But did some people also use coconut oil as lubricant during sex?
Although it sounds natural and safe, experts suggest that you understand the risks and benefits first before practicing this. In general, coconut oil is safe to use as a natural lubricant.
dr.ction Ross, a female health specialist from Santa Monica, California, says coconut oil can be a natural choice that is quite friendly on the skin and free of preservatives.
" Coconut oil is a natural lubricant that is preservative free and quite affordable," explained dr. Ross, author of the book She-ology, quoted from the Health page.
The same thing was conveyed by dr. Nita Landry, an obstetrician in Los Angeles as well as a doctor at The Doctors.
"Ebrane oil is taken from ripe coconut meat, because it has the nature of moisturizing, antimicrobial, and anti-jamur," said dr. Landry.
Coconut oil is known for its ability to moisturize the skin, and it also applies in the genital area.
According to dr. Jennifer Landa, a Florida content specialist and Chief Medical Officer at BodyLogicMD, the texture of soft coconut oil makes it comfortable to use.
"One of my favorite natural lubricants is pure coconut oil," he said.
"The texture is slippery, moisturizing, and does not easily clot, such as many artificial lubricants in the market," he continued.
In addition, dr. Ross added coconut oil is thicker and more durable than water or silicon-based lubricants, thus providing a longer damping sensation without needing to be reprocessed frequently.
Although it is classified as safe, coconut oil is not risk-free. There are several things that need to be considered before using them in sensitive areas.
1. Damage to Latex Condoms
Like all oil-based lubricants, coconut oil should not be used with condoms made from latex, because it can tear condoms easily.
" Coconut oil can damage latex and cause condoms to burst. If you want to stay safe, use a water or silicon-based lubricant," said dr. Landry.
According to dr. Ross, coconut oil is safe to use if you use polyuretan condoms, because this material is not easily decomposed by oil.
2. Triggering Mutual Infection
For some people, coconut oil also has the potential to cause vaginal fungal infection (yeast infection).
"Ebrane oil is antibacterial and antifrugous, so it can disrupt the vaginal pH balance and trigger mold growth," explained dr. Landry.
Oil-based lubricants tend to be more difficult to clean, thus tarnishing clothes and bed sheets and leaving an uncomfortable feeling of stickyness.
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3. Risk of Allergy or Irritation
Even if it comes from natural ingredients, allergic reactions can still occur. Before use, you should do a small test by applying a little coconut oil on the inside of the arm. Then wait a few minutes to see if there is a reaction like itching or redness.
If you decide to try, make sure to choose pure coconut oil (virgin coconut oil) which does not contain additional ingredients, perfume, or preservatives.
Avoid hydrated or processed coconut oil at high temperatures, because the chemicals can irritate sensitive skin.
"Use pure coconut oil extracted using the cold-pressed method of fresh coconut without high heating or chemicals," suggested dr. Landry.
Use a clean spoon when taking oil from the container so as not to be contaminated with bacteria. If the shape is still solid, let it melt at room temperature or warm it in the palm of the hand before use.
The most important thing is to use only enough. Too much oil can hinder the balance of vaginal natural flora and become a breeding ground for bacteria.
"If you want to try coconut oil as a lubricant, just use it a little. Too much can actually make the area too moist and trigger mold growth." explained dr. Landry.