Women's health
Cannabis provides pain relief for a range of gynaecological conditions – study
The vast majority of women reported pain relief from using medical cannabis.
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Survey data shows that using cannabis may provide pain relief for a range of gynaecological conditions.
New data on cannabis and gynaecological pain has found that the vast majority of women report pain relief from medicinal use.
Researchers examined the results of a number of studies on adult women who used cannabinoids for gynaecological pain conditions, including chronic pelvic pain, vulvodynia, endometriosis and interstitial cystitis.
According to the findings the prevalence of cannabis use ranged from 13 per cent to 27 per cent, with 61 to 96 per cent of women reporting pain relief.
Most women ingested or inhaled cannabis and used cannabis multiple times per week, with dosages of up to 70mg of THC and 2,000mg of CBD.
The study types included were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and cross-sectional studies.
All six cohort studies and one RCT, reported significant pain relief.
READ MORE: Why women in pain are turning to medical cannabis
The researchers concluded: “Survey data showed that most women reported that cannabis improved pain from numerous gynaecological conditions. Cohort studies and an RCT using PEA-combination medications reported pain reduction.
“However, interpretation of the studies is limited due to varying cannabis formulations, delivery methods, and dosages that preclude a definitive statement about cannabis for gynaecological pain relief.”
Why does it matter?
Increasing numbers of women are turning to cannabis to manage the symptoms of gynaecological conditions, particularly those which are complex and debilitating such as endometriosis, chronic pelvic pain and vulvodynia.
These conditions are often difficult to diagnose and women may go for years without proper treatment. But even once they have that diagnosis treatment options can be limited, with many women relying on opioid painkillers.
In 2019, the NICM Health Research Institute at Western Sydney University revealed more than three quarters of Australian women with endometriosis were turning to self-management strategies, with cannabis being ranked as the most effective therapy.
There are a multitude of cannabis receptors and endocannabinoids in the uterus and female reproductive system, which could explain why cannabis affects men and women differently and why women report particular benefit from cannabis for gynaecological conditions.
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