Cannabidiol (CBD) continues to be added to a plethora of health and beauty products, including face creams, soaps, and makeup. But more recently, the cannabinoid is also being found in feminine products. The question is, does CBD add any benefit to feminine care? And is it even safe?
CBD has been linked to several medical benefits, including the alleviation of pain and inflammation. It’s no wonder that more and more women are turning to CBD as a more natural alternative to pain medication to 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, CBD may be able to effectively calm any discomfort in this area as an effective natural anti-inflammatory agent. [1]
Given the fact that the vaginal area is extremely sensitive and easily impacted by the introduction of certain products, it’s easy to understand why certain questions might arise surrounding the safety and efficacy of CBD-infused feminine products like tampons, vaginal suppositories, vaginal lubes, and feminine wash products.
But some experts in the world of obstetrics and gynecology believe that CBD could have a positive effect on symptoms associated with menstruation and even sex.
What we currently know about CBD is that it interacts with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system in the body to elicit specific effects, such as the reduction of pain, inflammation, anxiety, and others. [2] Since there are cannabinoid receptors located in the lining of the vagina, it stands to reason that the presence of CBD in this region could have local pain-reduction effects as the cannabinoids work with the receptors in the vaginal wall.
A CBD product that is placed directly within the vaginal wall allows the cannabinoid to be directly absorbed into the blood vessels in the region and then released into the bloodstream. This may have a superior effect to orally administered CBD which must go through the digestive tract and liver before making its way into the bloodstream, which means the CBD can take longer to take effect and even get lost along the way.
That said, there still aren’t many studies proving the effects of CBD when applied vaginally. More research is needed to confirm the application of CBD in this manner, particularly in terms of proper dosing and potential side effects. At the very least, CBD products may not always serve as a replacement for traditional remedies, but may be a great supplement to more conventional products.
Anyone looking to try a CBD-based product designed for use in the vaginal region should conduct a small patch test before applying liberally, much like any other type of new product. Further, feminine products with any 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., March 2018, 19(3): 833.
