Q. I read about the woman who uses olive oil as a personal lubricant. Is it safe to apply the olive oil directly inside the vagina?
A. Some women may have allergic reactions, so it would be prudent to do a “patch test” on the inner arm first. If it is safe enough to eat, though, it is probably safer than certain other things used as personal lubricants. Do keep in mind that all oils are incompatible with latex, causing it to deteriorate, so must not be used with barrier contraceptives such as condoms or diaphragms. For that, water-based lubricants are much safer.
