If you suffer from chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis or interstitial cystitis, CBD may help relieve the symptoms. It also can prevent pain and inflammation from developing in the first place.
While CBD has been studied for a variety of conditions, there aren't many studies on the impact of cannabis use on the endocannabinoid system in women. But many women report that CBD eases their discomfort.
Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain is a common condition that can affect women of all ages. It is typically characterized by pain that lasts for six months or more and can vary in intensity from mild to severe.
Pelvic pain may also be associated with other symptoms, including sex, bladder or bowel problems and psychological discomfort. This can be a very challenging condition to deal with and you should be treated by a professional who listens and takes your concerns seriously.
A doctor can often make the diagnosis of chronic pelvic pain by examining your health history and physical exam. If he or she suspects that your pain is caused by a vascular issue, you may be referred to a vascular specialist for further testing. A venogram is one of the most important tests that can confirm this diagnosis.
Endometriosis
For many women with endometriosis, pain can be unbearable. It can impact their quality of life, and if not treated can lead to infertility or functional disability.
The condition causes endometrial tissue to grow outside of the uterus and into other parts of the body, where it shouldn't be. It can cause pelvic pain and other symptoms, such as bloating and bleeding during menstrual periods.
There is no known cure for this condition, but treatment can help control the pain and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and a multidisciplinary medical team are important for managing symptoms.
Interstitial Cystitis
Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a bladder condition that affects people of all ages. It is more common in women than men and can have a big impact on daily life.
IC causes frequent, urgent and painful urination. It can also make your bladder stiff and not expand as urine fills it.
In some cases, the walls of your bladder become irritated and inflamed (sore and red). This can scar the lining and cause a bladder that is hard and does not hold as much urine.
Treatments for IC include dietary changes, medication and pelvic floor therapy. Some women have relief with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, which delivers mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerves that connect your bladder and spinal cord.
Pelvic Floor Disorders
The pelvic floor is a set of muscles, ligaments and tissues that support the bladder, rectum, uterus and other organs in your pelvis. They keep these organs in their proper positions and help control bowel movements, urination and sexual intercourse.
When these muscles become tight or weak, they cause problems with bowel movements, urination and sex. This is known as pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD).
Pelvic floor dysfunction can happen to anyone and most commonly occurs in women. Risk factors for PFD include childbirth, aging and obesity.
A diagnosis of PFD is based on medical history and a physical exam. Your doctor may put electrodes on your pelvic area to measure how well your muscles function.
Your doctor will also ask questions about your bowel movement habits, pain during sex and any other health conditions that can cause pelvic floor dysfunction. Depending on the problem, your doctor might order tests such as a pap smear or a colonoscopy.
