What Are Vaginal Melts and Are They Safe?

A vaginal melt, also called a vaginal suppository, is a small, round ball of oils and other ingredients. It usually includes oils with high melting points, keeping the suppository solid at room temperature. When you insert the suppository into the vagina, your natural body heat causes it to melt quickly.

Vaginal melts can help temporarily with vaginal dryness while also providing, or at least claiming to provide, a pleasant flavor and odor to the vagina. They are inserted similarly to a tampon, using an applicator. The body absorbs the oils quickly, giving purported "instant" relief for vaginal dryness.

A closer look

The biggest concern with vaginal melts is the ingredient list. Vaginas have a very specific pH level, and inserting anything could change the pH, leading to irritation. Inserting vaginal melts could also increase your risk of yeast infections, especially if you're already prone to them. The most common ingredients in vaginal melts are:

• Coconut oil
• Cocoa butter
• Jojoba oil
• Carnauba plant wax
• Stevia leaf extract
• Vitamin E oil

Some vaginal melts could include fragrances, dyes or preservatives—so be careful about what brands you buy. Always check ingredients to make sure you're not allergic to something in the suppository. Before inserting the melt into your vagina, place it on your inner forearm and wait one day. If you see any redness or irritation, do not insert the melt into your vagina.

When using a vaginal melt for the first time, use only a small portion of a melt. Insert it by following the directions on the packaging and wait to see if there are any unwanted effects.

What are the benefits of vaginal melts?

Vaginal melts supply lubricant to the vaginal canal within the first few minutes of inserting the suppository. The melt will release oils that will make sex comfortable and pleasurable for both parties.

Flavored vaginal melts add a unique twist to oral sex too, but women shouldn't feel like they need to flavor their vaginas. The perception that your natural odor or taste is unpleasant is a cultural myth, and the ingredients that add flavor and scent are the ones most likely to cause damage to your reproductive system, to boot.

What are the risks of vaginal melts?

Vaginal melts could increase yeast infections for women with diabetes, HIV or a suppressed immune system. If you have a history of yeast infections, vaginal melts aren't the right product for you. Additionally, the oils used in vaginal melts can wear away latex, making condoms less effective.