Can Coconut Oil as Lube Cause a UTI? (+ How to Prevent UTIs)

Can coconut oil as lube cause UTIs? 

And is it safe to use coconut oil lube?

Let’s find out more about urinary tract infections (UTIs) and how to avoid them.

We’ll also cover the pros and cons of coconut oil as lube and introduce a safer coconut oil based lube you have to try.

Can Coconut Oil as Lube Cause a UTI?

Here’s the tea:

There are mixed reports about whether pure coconut oil is safe to use as an anal or vaginal lubricant.

Why?

Coconut oil has a basic pH (5.5-7.5) and antibacterial properties. 

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). 

And this could increase the chance of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or yeast infection.

On the other hand, additives and contaminants in coconut oil are more likely to impact your vaginal health.

The type of coconut oil you use makes a big difference. The three main types are:

1. Refined Coconut Oil

Refined coconut oil is processed to make it more suitable for cooking.

Manufacturers may add an ingredient or two (think preservatives) that aren’t good for sensitive vaginal tissue.

Verdict: 

Avoid refined coconut oil as a lube – the extra ingredients could cause vaginal irritation or a vaginal infection. Not ideal!

2. Unrefined Coconut Oil

Unrefined coconut oil (or virgin coconut oil) isn’t processed with any heat, bleach, chemicals, or additives.

Verdict: 

If you’re going to use coconut oil as lube, this is by far the safest option for your vaginal health.

3. Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated coconut oil is virgin coconut oil that’s heated and cooled to separate and remove the solid fats. This makes it a liquid at room temperature.

Verdict: 

Fractionated coconut oil is also suitable for intimate moments but may be harder to work with since it isn’t very viscous.

What Really Causes UTIs Anyway?

The jury is still out on whether or not coconut oil as a lube can cause a UTI. But it does help to understand the known causes and symptoms of UTIs.

Simply put:

UTIs usually happen when bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra (the pee hole).

If you have a vagina, you have a shorter urethra and are more likely to contract this bacterial infection. 

That’s because the bacteria doesn’t have to travel as far to reach the bladder. (The wrath of the vagina strikes again…)

UTI Symptoms To Watch For

A UTI starts in the lower urinary tract and causes uncomfortable symptoms like:

• Painful burning when peeing
• Needing to pee frequently and urgently without passing much liquid
• Discolored and strong-smelling urine

However, if the infection progresses, it can result in a kidney infection and sepsis (Yikes!).

If you notice these symptoms, see a doctor STAT:

• Pain in the back and sides
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting

10 Tips to Avoid UTIs and What to Do If You Get One

Bacteria are a part of everyday life. 

But what can you do to protect yourself from UTIs? 

Here are a few tips:

1. Always wipe from front to back when you hit the bathroom.
2. Clean and dry your vulva well.
3. Drink plenty of water (filling and emptying your bladder helps to flush out bacteria.)
4. Never hold your pee.
5. Wash your hands before sex or solo play.
6. Always pee after sexual activity.
7. Clean the area around the vagina with water after vaginal or anal sex (to stop the spread of bacteria and yeast).
8. Don’t put fragranced products on your vulva or in your vagina.
9. Wear clean, breathable underwear (cotton is your friend).
10. Avoid barrier birth control methods (e.g., condom or diaphragm) with spermicide.

Are you thinking, “Girl, it’s too late! What should I do?”

Don’t panic. UTIs are treatable.

So, How the Heck Do You Treat UTIs?

Getting a UTI isn’t the end of the world. Most of them go away on their own. 

If you have an early-stage UTI, soothe the infection by:

• Taking paracetamol for pain
• Drinking more water
• Avoiding sex (We know, boo! But you don’t want to add fuel to the bacterial infection, right?)

A doctor may prescribe painkillers and antibiotics for a severe or persistent UTI.

Simple as that!

Coconut Oil as Lube: What Are the Pros and Cons?

So, should you use coconut oil as lube? 

Let’s weigh the facts:

Pros

Here are three reasons coconut oil makes a suitable lube:

• It reduces friction and vaginal dryness during sex, making penetration and sexual activity smooth and enjoyable.

• It’s chemical-free and great for sensitive skin and vaginal tissue.
  
  
• It works well with silicone sex toys. Grab your favorite sex toy – coconut oil won’t hurt it (provided it’s pure silicone).

Cons

On the flip side, here are four factors to be cautious of when using coconut oil as a sex lube:

• It may increase the risk of vaginal infection (untested). There’s not a lot of concrete proof of this claim.
  
  But if you have a sensitive vagina, it may be best to opt for something specifically formulated for internal use (like Coconu!)
  
  
• It’s incompatible with latex condoms. Unlike water based or silicone lube, oil based lube can cause a latex condom to break. So steer clear if you’re trying to stay STD-and-baby-free.
  
  
• It may cause allergies. If you haven’t tested yourself for a coconut allergy, try some coconut oil on your wrist (and your partner’s) before doing the deed.
  
  
• It can stain your sheets. Coconut oil can leave dark, oily stains on your bedding.

Best Coconut Oil Lubes for the UTI Prone

If you want to avoid UTIs, here are two fantastic coconut oil lube options to turn up the heat without the sexual health hazards:

1. Coconu Oil Based Personal Lubricant

Coconu’s oil based lube formula features coconut oil as the key ingredient. It’s a natural, USDA-certified organic sex lube for both internal and external use (hello, steamy massages!).

Here are some of its gorgeous characteristics:

• 100% natural, cruelty-free, and organic
• Edible and non-toxic (made with tasty ingredients like sweet almond oil and cocoa seed butter)
• Free of chemicals, alcohol, petroleum, parabens, gluten, phylates, dyes, and fragrances
• Hypoallergenic – perfect for sensitive skin
• Non-sticky and non-staining – it soaks in and combats skin dryness
• Compatible with a silicone sex toy

2. Coconu Hemp Infused Body Oil

Create a luxurious atmosphere with Coconu’s hemp and coconut body oil that doubles as a silky personal lubricant.

It has all the incredible characteristics of the oil based lube, combined with the relaxing effects of hemp. It also comes in plastic-free sustainable packaging.

Sidenote: 

Can’t stop using latex condoms?

Try Coconu’s condom compatible Water Based Lubricant instead. 

Alternatively, you can stick with oil based lube and use polyurethane (latex-free) condoms.

Can Other Types of Lube Cause UTIs?

Here’s an overview of different types of lube and how likely they are to mess with your vaginal flora and sexual health:

• Water based lubricant
  Status: Safe (as long as it’s glycerin-free)

• Silicone lubricant
  Status: Silicone lube is safe for internal use.

• Flavored lube
  Status: Unsafe – most contain glucose, which can cause a yeast infection, UTI, bacterial vaginosis, and vaginal dryness.

Remember: 

Expired lube can cause allergic reactions, burning, itching, dryness, bacterial vaginosis, and UTIs – So check that expiry date!

Now: 

If you’re veering away from store-bought lube, here are some slippery substances that may or may not be suitable for vaginal or anal sex:

• Spit as lube
  Status: Unsafe – Provides inadequate lubrication and can cause vaginal irritation and the spread of STDs

• Petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or baby oil
  Status: Unsafe – Petroleum jelly and baby oil can cause bacterial vaginosis and degrade a latex condom

• Extra virgin olive oil or sweet almond oil
  Status: Safe, but olive oil and almond oil may degrade latex condoms

Make Love, Not War – Avoid UTIs

Unrefined coconut oil can make a fairly good anal or vaginal lubricant in a pickle (as long as you practice good hygiene).

But, if you’re UTI-prone, choose a lube designed for internal use.

Try Coconu’s Oil Based Singles — they’re single packets you can pop in your handbag for safe, on-the-go action!