PELVIC PAIN

Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is any type of pain that is located in the pelvic area, which lies between the navel and the hips. This condition is particularly common in women and can occur acutely or chronically.Often, women do not give it the importance it deserves due to the fast pace of every life, stress and multiple family and work responsibilities. Accurate and early diagnosis of this condition is essential, but it is often delayed because the pain is normalized or ignored.

Consequences of pelvic pain

Pelvic pain can have multiple negative effects on both the physical and emotional health of women.

  • Low work productivity. Constant pain can affect concentration, reducing the ability to perform daily tasks at work.
  • High levels of stress and anxiety. Persistent pain can increase stress levels, causing anxiety and affecting mental health.
  • Overuse of painkillers and opioids. The need to relieve pain leads to a dependence of medication, which over time can cause gastritis or dependency.
  • Pain during sex. Pain in the pelvic area can interfere with sexual intercourse, leading to decreased libido and reduced quality of sexual life.

 

Causes of pelvic pain

Pelvic pain has a wide range of possible causes some of which are difficult to identify due to their complex nature. The most common causes are:

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease. An infection of the reproductive organs that can cause chronic pain.
  • Pelvic adhesions. Scar tissue that develops after surgery or infection, potentially causing pain due to the formation of scar tissue.
  • Uterine malposition. Deviations or malformations of the uterus that can lead to pain.
  • Musculoskeletal disorders. Issues with pelvic muscles or the pelvis itself.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome that can use referred pain in the pelvic area.
  • Urinary pathology. Conditions such as recurrent urinary tract infections or interstitial cystitis.
  • Psychological factors. Stress, anxiety, and other emotional issues that can intensify pain.
  • Menstrual disorders. Conditions like primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain without an organic cause) or secondary dysmenorrhea related to issues such as endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Effects of CBD on pelvic pain

CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the main cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant and has been shown to have several therapeutic effects that may be beneficial for the treatment of pelvic pain.

  • Anti-inflammatory properties. CBD has a potent anti-inflammatory effect, which can be useful in conditions such as endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
  • Muscle relaxation. In many cases, pelvic pain is associated with muscle spasms. CBD may help relax muscles and relieve spasms, reducing pelvic muscle pain.
  • Mood enhancement and stress reduction. Since chronic pain is closely linked to anxiety and depression, CBD can also improve emotional well-being, which may indirectly contribute to pain reduction.

CBD consumption methods for pelvic pain

The most common options are:

  • CBD suppositories. Vaginal suppositories allow for localized CBD release directly in the affected area. This can be effective for addressing inflammation and pain more directly.
  • CBD oils. These have a more systemic effect, acting on the entire body, which can help reduce generalized pain and improve overall well-being.
  • Topical creams and ointments. Applying CBD creams or ointments directly to the skin in the pelvic area allows for localized relief of pain and inflammation.

Scientific evidence

A study on the use of medical cannabis in women with chronic pelvic pain revealed the following:

  • 1 in 5 women with chronic pelvic pain uses cannabis as a treatment to relieve their symptoms.
  • 96% of users reported a significant improvement in their symptoms, suggesting that cannabis could be an effective alternative for many women.
  • The use of cannabis has increased partly due to growing concerns about the risks associated with opioid painkiller abuse and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which can have serious side effects.
  • Although cannabis is not a definitive cure, it appears to be an option to reduce pain and improve the quality of life for patients with chronic pelvic pain.

Source:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35104069/