The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says that nearly 3 out of 4 women experience pain during intercourse at some point in their lives.
The reasons for painful penetration can be physical (like vaginismus), hormonal (like menopause), or mental (like past trauma), and vary from person to person. While some opt for non-penetrative forms of sex, others might look into sexual wellness products like CBD lubes and serums.
The most common misconception about CBD is that it gets you high. Recent research shows that CBD has no negative effect on cognitive function or performance, and it 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 actually work, more specifically, to reduce pain during sex?
Can CBD Help With Painful Penetration?
There are various ways CBD products can alleviate discomfort during intercourse:
CBD May Boost Mood and Alleviate Anxiety
Research shows that CBD may help alleviate stress and anxiety. While CBD doesn’t have THC and won’t give you that high feeling, research shows, that it can potentially still boost your mood by enhancing the neurotransmitter anandamide in the brain. Anandamide is a bliss neurotransmitter, similar to oxytocin which can make you feel good.
“Anxiety-reducing effects (anxiolytic effects) can be especially advantageous for women who experience painful penetration due to psychological factors such as anxiety or past trauma,” explains certified sex therapist Aliyah Moore, Ph.D.
When you’re more relaxed and focused on pleasure rather than anxiety and other unpleasant emotions, penetration might feel more pleasurable, and it’ll be easier to get aroused and in the mood for sex in the first place.
CBD May 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 that it helps the muscles relax, which increases blood flow to the area. When your muscles are relaxed, the penetration will feel more pleasurable, and, for some, it becomes possible. Increased blood flow to the genitals increases arousal and enhances pleasant sensations.
CBD May Have Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Some research suggests that CBD might have anti-inflammatory effects on human skin. This is crucial for people who experience painful penetration due to physical reasons. “Decreasing inflammation in the pelvic area can relieve pain stemming from conditions like endometriosis, vaginitis, or chronic pelvic inflammatory disease,” explains Moore.
CBD May Ease Pain
One way CBD can aid painful penetration is by altering the way the brain processes pain. “CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a significant role in pain perception,” says Moore. Through its modulation of cannabinoid receptors, CBD can reduce the sensation of pain, offering relief during penetration.”
But Do CBD Sexual Wellness Products Actually Work?
It’s hard to answer this question because the research on CBD products is limited, and there isn’t much research done on sexual wellness products with CBD specifically. Most evidence you’ll find will be anecdotal, meaning some people try different products, and for them, it works. And there is some research sponsored 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 that are 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.
Researchers found that CBD can penetrate the skin when applied topically, depending on the product formulation and the environment. This shows that at least there is potential for CBD to be absorbed into the skin and alleviate some of the discomfort.
Potential CBD Pitfalls
CBD is a relatively new substance that’s been used widely in all of its forms. So, when it comes to determining whether it’s 100% safe to use for everyone, there isn’t enough research yet. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or immunocompromised, there is no evidence that can say whether it’s safe or not for you to use CBD products, internally or externally.
Another potential issue with CBD products is that they are not regulated by the FDA in the United States. That means that when you choose a CBD product, you put all your trust in the brand and hope they’re actually selling what they’re marketing.
When researchers tested whether certain CBD products on the market had the amount of CBD that the label promised, they found that less than a third of products had the amount of CBD shown on the label. Another team of researchers examined 84 CBD products available on the market and found that a quarter of the products had less CBD than shown on the label.
How To Choose the Right CBD Product
Because CBD products are unregulated, you have to be very diligent about doing your research before choosing a product. It might be wise to consult your doctor before you decide to use CBD lubes and serums to ease the discomfort during penetration. They might offer product recommendations.
Otherwise, pay extra attention to the ingredient 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 should accompany the product.
If a brand is transparent with all the ingredients that are in the product and has sources, as well as certificates of independent testing in the laboratory, then you’re one step closer to finding a quality product that can offer these benefits for enhanced pleasure.
