Vulvodynia is a complex condition that causes chronic pain at the vaginal opening with an unidentifiable cause. This condition can be challenging to treat because of the variation in pain type, location, and severity. Women can experience localized or general forms of this condition, sometimes both or other subdivisions types can co-exist in the same person.
Recent preclinical research has suggested that THC may reduce labial sensitivity by reducing pro-inflammatory mast cells in vaginal tissue. Conditions like allergies, yeast infections, urogenital infections, depression, and anxiety are associated with an increased risk of vulvodynia. Cannabinoids interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which affects both the nervous and endocrine systems; regulating reproductive hormones through cannabinoid receptor CB1 and cannabinoid receptor CB2.
CB1 receptors are mostly located in the brain while CB2 receptors are on the peripheral parts of the immune system. CB2 receptors regulate the functionality of the reproductive system and allow the body to feel the effects of CBD and THC, which is why some women choose to use cannabis for pain relief.
Medical marijuana products that deliver cannabinoids vaginally include CBD or THC suppositories as well as specially formulated personal lubricants that may potentially help with pelvic pain. When using cannabis and CBD vaginally, it is essential to research quality and ingredients to avoid irritation and speak to your gynecologist first.
A 2020 research study indicated that medicinal marijuana could help with vulvodynia symptoms. Women who experienced higher symptom severity reported more relief from cannabis. Symptoms included vulval soreness, burning, stinging, rawness, itching, and stabbing pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), prolonged sitting, tampon insertion, wearing tight-fitting pants and exercising.
Another study examined simulated symptoms in mice and found that THC and saline administered into the vaginal canal of sensitized mice experienced a 60% reduction in vaginal pain sensitivity as well as a decrease in local mast cell density. Mast cells are responsible for creating inflammation responses.
Dr. Becky Lynn, a board-certified gynecologist and expert in menopause and sexual health, conducted a 2020 study investigating how cannabinoids affect female sexual function. She explains that the activation of CB1 receptors may lead to increased sexual function due to the relationship between CB1 activation on serotonin secretion. In regards to vulvodynia, Dr. Lynn said: “Vulvodynia is frustrating. There is no visible lesion, but patients still feel excruciating pain. Many times they are told it is all in their head. But it isn’t. The pain is real. Cannabis can help treat vulvodynia.”
In conclusion, while more research is necessary to explore the link between cannabis and vulvodynia, existing studies suggest that cannabinoids could aid women who suffer from vulvodynia symptoms. When considering cannabis as a treatment for vulvodynia, it’s vital to speak with your healthcare provider before trying any products or self-diagnosing conditions. Cannabinoids interact with our body’s ECS system which affects both the nervous and endocrine systems; regulating reproductive hormones through cannabinoid receptor CB1 and cannabinoid receptor CB2. Research has suggested THC may reduce labial sensitivity by reducing pro-inflammatory mast cells in vaginal tissue.
