Cannabidiol (CBD) continues to be added to a wide variety of health and beauty products, including face creams, soaps, and makeup. More recently, however, the cannabinoid has also been found in feminine products. The question is, does CBD bring any benefit to women’s care? And is it safe at all?
CBD has been linked to several medicinal benefits, including relief from pain and inflammation. It’s no wonder more and more women are using CBD as a more natural alternative to pain relievers to help curb the discomfort they often experience during their menstrual cycles and after sex. Since inflammation is typically the source of pain and discomfort in the reproductive region, as a powerful natural anti-inflammatory agent, CBD may be able to effectively relieve discomfort in this area. [1]
Given that the vaginal area is extremely sensitive and easily affected by the introduction of certain products, it is easy to understand why certain questions about the safety and effectiveness of CBD infused women’s products such as tampons, vaginal suppositories, vaginal lubricants, etc.
However, some experts in the obstetrics and gynecology world believe that CBD could have a beneficial effect on symptoms associated with menstruation and even sex.
What we currently know about CBD is that it interacts with the endocannabinoid system receptors in the body to produce specific effects, such as: B. reducing pain, inflammation, anxiety, and others. [2] Since there are cannabinoid receptors in the vaginal mucosa, it stands to reason that the presence of CBD in this region could have local pain relieving effects as the cannabinoids work with the receptors in the vaginal wall.
A CBD product placed directly into the vaginal wall enables the cannabinoid to be absorbed directly into the blood vessels in the area and released into the bloodstream. This can work better than orally administered CBD, which has to pass through the digestive tract and liver before entering the bloodstream.
However, there are not yet many studies that prove the effects of CBD when used vaginally. More research is needed to confirm the use of CBD in this way, especially regarding the correct dosage and possible side effects. At the very least, CBD products cannot always serve as a substitute for traditional remedies, but can be a great addition to more conventional products.
Anyone looking to try a CBD-based product for use in the vaginal area should do a small patch test prior to generous use, similar to any other new product. In addition, feminine products with fragrances should be avoided.
Image source: Jill Wellington from Pixabay
References:
1- Nagarkatti, P, et al., “Cannabinoids as Novel Anti-Inflammatory Drugs,” Future Med Chem., October 2009, 1 (7): 1333-1349.
2- Zou, S. & Kimar, U., “Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System,” Int. J. Mol. Sci., Mar 2018, 19 (3): 833.