The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists he says that nearly 3 out of 4 women experience pain during intercourse at some point in their lives.
THE causes of painful penetration it can be physical (such as vaginal bleeding), hormonal (such as menopause), or psychological (such as past trauma) and varies from person to person. While some choose non-penetrative forms of sex, others may look to sexual wellness products such as CBD oils and serums.
The most common misconception about CBD is that it gets you high. Recent research shows that CBD has no negative effect on cognition or performance and does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the compound in marijuana that gets you high.
CBD has become all the rage in the sexual wellness industry, but the question is – does it really work, specifically, to reduce pain during sex?
Can CBD help with painful penetration?
There are several ways that CBD products can relieve discomfort during intercourse:
CBD can boost mood and relieve anxiety
Research shows that CBD can help relieve stress and anxiety. While CBD doesn’t have THC and won’t get you as high, research showsthat it can potentially boost your mood by boosting the neurotransmitter anandamide in the brain. Anandamide is a feel-good neurotransmitter similar to oxytocin that can make you feel good.
“The anxiety-reducing effects (anxiety-relieving effects) can be particularly beneficial for women who experience painful penetration due to psychological factors such as stress or past trauma,” explains the certified sex therapist. Aliyah MoorePh.D.
When you are more relaxed and focused on pleasure rather than anxiety and other unpleasant feelings, penetration can be more enjoyable and it will be easier to get aroused and in the mood for sex in the first place.
CBD can promote blood flow and relieve muscle tension
Research shows that CBD has an effect on our blood flow and muscle tension. It promotes vasorelaxation, meaning it helps muscles relax, which increases blood flow to the area. When your muscles are relaxed, penetration will be more enjoyable and, for some, possible. Increased blood flow to the genitals increases arousal and enhances pleasurable sensations.
CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties
Some research suggests that CBD may have anti-inflammatory effects on human skin. This is crucial for people who experience painful penetration for physical reasons. “Reducing inflammation in the pelvic area can relieve pain from conditions such as endometriosis, vaginitis, or chronic pelvic inflammatory disease,” Moore explains.
CBD can relieve pain
One way CBD can help with painful penetration is by changing the way the brain processes pain. “CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in pain perception,” says Moore. By modulating cannabinoid receptors, CBD can reduce the sensation of pain, providing relief on penetration.”
But do CBD sexual wellness products really work?
This is a difficult question to answer because research on CBD products is limited and not much research has been done on CBD-specific sexual wellness products. Most of the evidence you will find will be anecdotal, meaning some people try different products and for them, it works. And there is some research funded by brands that sell CBD-infused sexual wellness products, like Foria Wellness.
Citrus Labs conducted a Consumer Perception Study on three of Foria’s CBD-infused products designed to make intercourse more pleasurable for women. The study included women aged 25-65 and the results show that 90% of women experienced increased sexual comfort during penetration.
The researchers found that CBD can penetrate the skin when applied topically, depending on the composition of the product and the environment. This shows that at least there is potential for CBD to be absorbed into the skin and relieve some of the discomfort.
Potential pitfalls of CBD
CBD is a relatively new substance that is widely used in all its forms. So when it comes to determining if it is 100% safe to use for everyone, there is not enough research yet. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or immunocompromised, there are no data which can tell whether or not it is safe for you to use CBD products, internally or externally.
Another potential problem with CBD products is that they are not regulated by the FDA in the United States. This means that when you choose a CBD product, you put all your trust in the brand and hope that it actually sells what it’s marketing.
When researchers tried while some CBD products on the market had the amount of CBD promised on the label, they found that less than a third of the products had the amount of CBD listed on the label. Another group of researchers reviewed 84 CBD products available on the market and found that a quarter of the products had less CBD than stated on the label.
How to choose the right CBD product
Because CBD products are unregulated, you need to be very diligent about researching before choosing a product. It may be wise to consult your doctor before deciding to use CBD oils and serums to ease penetration discomfort. They may offer product recommendations.
Otherwise, pay close attention to the ingredients list of the products to make sure there are no harmful additives. Also, look out for independent laboratory testing of the product and check the certificates that must accompany the product.
If a brand is transparent with all the ingredients present in the product and has sources as well as certificates of independent laboratory testing, then you are one step closer to finding a quality product that can provide these benefits for enhanced enjoyment.
