Lower abdominal pain, sex, and CBD

What can cause lower abdominal pain?

Women very often suffer from menstrual pain, cramps, mood swings, and general discomfort, especially during menstruation, but often also days before and after. The psychological effects are often very strong and burden women greatly; experts then refer to this as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Usually, hormonal fluctuations during the cycle are decisive for the subjectively very different manifestations of symptoms. Since the connection between neural networks and hormonal fluctuations has been understood, it has become possible to counteract accordingly. Discomfort in the lower abdomen does not only occur during the period.

Why do I have pain during and after sex?

Often, very subjective complaints are also associated with sexual intercourse, such as pain and obstacles during penetration (vaginismus) due to pelvic floor muscle spasms, or pain during sex itself (dyspareunia). These symptoms are not only a great burden for the affected women but also affect their sexual behavior as well as their social behavior.

What to do about vaginal dryness and pain during sex?

Another major issue is vaginal dryness, which can have many causes but usually occurs due to a changed hormonal balance. Especially after the menopause or stopping hormone treatments, these symptoms can be very severe. Vaginal dryness subsequently leads to cracks and a reduction in mucosal thickness. This makes the vaginal mucosa more susceptible to microtears in the vagina, as well as to vaginal infections (colpitis). Fungal and bacterial infections can occur more frequently, leading to an increased risk of secondary diseases.

What does the endocannabinoid system and CBD have to do with this?

The endocannabinoid system serves, among other things, to maintain bodily functions, also known as homeostasis. Learn more in our blog post about the endocannabinoid system. Stress, insufficient sleep, unbalanced nutrition, and lack of exercise are risk factors for an imbalance and inadequate function of the endocannabinoid system. It can then no longer sufficiently maintain various protective functions on different levels.

Hemp is a sensible dietary supplement due to its good fatty acids, which serve to produce important fats that our brain especially needs, including to produce endocannabinoids. A particularly important topic, also supported by scientific research, is the physiological effects of phytocannabinoids. CBD (cannabidiol) has made a name for itself here, as the safe profile of the substance combined with its positive effect on the function of the endocannabinoid system, along with a variety of positive properties (anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, neuroprotective, antioxidant), holds potential for alternatives in medicine.

What effect do hemp and CBD have on pain?

The use of hemp for women's complaints such as menstrual pain, cramps, and discomfort has been known since ancient times and is still used by many women today to prevent typical symptoms during the period. The calming effect of hemp (e.g., as tea or tincture) contributes to relaxation, and the antispasmodic effect of cannabinoids and terpenes can also be beneficial for pain.

CBD as a natural alternative for menstrual pain?

For some time now, we have observed both in our own environment and on the market the trend of using CBD products specifically for women and their complaints during menstruation. This ranges from taking CBD oils to using CBD and hemp in lubricants, cosmetics, and stimulants, as well as vaginal application of CBD oils combined with tampons and similar products. We explicitly advise against the latter, as there is often no suitable quality assurance and the products are not designed for the complex environment of the vagina.

Is CBD good for pain during sex?

This is exactly where we can help with CANNEFF® VAG SUP suppositories – the first registered medical device containing cannabidiol (CBD), the CANNEFF® VAG SUP suppositories. This is a combination preparation with cannabidiol (CBD) and hyaluronic acid, specially developed for vaginal use. In Austria, CANNEFF® VAG SUP suppositories are available in all pharmacies via pharmaceutical central number (PZN) or directly in the CANNEFF® webshop. In exchange with gynecologists and specialists, there are opportunities for further applications beyond pain during intercourse and other vaginal complaints. Clinical studies on endometriosis, another common condition, are currently underway to test the effect of CBD. Learn more about the indications, which primarily serve to quickly relieve pain and discomfort from vaginal dryness, vaginal complaints, painful intercourse, and vaginal dystrophy.