Most women using cannabis for gynecologic pain reported relief in surveys, and clinical studies of PEA-combination medications showed significant pain reduction, but varying formulations prevent definitive conclusions.
Women with gynecologic pain, gynecology researchers, medical cannabis patients
3.35-point pain reduction on 10-point scale
What the researchers found
Among 16 included studies, 13-27% of women used cannabis for gynecologic pain. Survey data showed 61-95.5% reported pain relief. Six prospective cohort studies and one RCT of PEA-combination medications reported significant pain relief, with an average decrease of 3.35 points on a 10-point scale after 3 months.
Why it matters
Gynecologic pain conditions like endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain are common, often undertreated, and significantly impact quality of life. Cannabis-based treatments represent a potential alternative or complement to current options.
The numbers in context
5,189 articles screened; 16 met criteria; 13-27% cannabis use prevalence; 61-95.5% reported relief; 3.35-point average pain reduction on 10-point scale
How the study worked
Systematic review searching PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov for studies of cannabinoids in nonpregnant adult women with gynecologic pain conditions (chronic pelvic pain, vulvodynia, endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, malignancy).
What this study cannot tell us
Heterogeneous studies with varying cannabis formulations, delivery methods, and dosages. Most evidence comes from surveys rather than controlled trials.
How to read the evidence
Systematic review of 16 studies, but most evidence comes from surveys and uncontrolled cohorts rather than RCTs.
When this study was published
Published in 2022
The bigger picture
The endocannabinoid system is concentrated in reproductive tissues, providing biological plausibility for cannabis-based treatments. But the field remains hampered by inconsistent formulations and dosing.
Questions still open
- Which specific formulations (THC vs CBD vs PEA) work best for which gynecologic conditions? Would standardized dosing protocols produce more consistent results across studies?
Common questions
Does cannabis help with endometriosis or pelvic pain?
What cannabis doses were studied for gynecologic pain?
Read the original research
Medical Cannabis for Gynecologic Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review.
Obstetrics and gynecology, 139(2), 287-296
Citation
Liang, Angela L; Gingher, Erin L; Coleman, Jenell S. (2022). Medical Cannabis for Gynecologic Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review.. Obstetrics and gynecology, 139(2), 287-296. https://doi.org/10.1097/AOG.0000000000004656
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