A Preliminary Investigation into the Use of Cannabis Suppositories and Online Mindful Compassion for Improving Sexual Function Among Women Following Gynaecological Cancer Treatment

Summary & key facts

Researchers ran a small, early study with about 80 women who had finished gynaecological cancer treatment. The women were split into four groups: using cannabis suppositories, joining a short online “mindful compassion” course (a kind way of using mindfulness to be kind to yourself), doing both, or receiving usual care. Sexual function (like arousal, lubrication and orgasm) and sexual pain were measured before the study, after four weeks, and after twelve weeks. The study found that the mindfulness course helped sexual function, and that cannabis suppositories—alone or combined with mindfulness—were linked with less sexual pain. The results are encouraging but preliminary. The study was small, randomisation was limited by legal issues around medical cannabis, and the authors say bigger studies are needed before we can draw firm conclusions.

Key facts:

• About 80 women who had finished gynaecological cancer treatment took part in a short trial with four groups: cannabis suppositories only, a brief online mindful-compassion course only, both together, or usual care.
• Sexual function measures such as arousal, lubrication and orgasms improved in the groups that did the mindful-compassion course either alone or together with cannabis.
• Sexual pain was reduced in the groups that used cannabis suppositories, both when cannabis was used alone and when it was combined with mindful compassion.
• Researchers measured outcomes at the start, after four weeks, and after twelve weeks, so the reported improvements were seen within three months.
• Participant feedback said cannabis seemed to boost the benefits of the mindful-compassion course and also helped people feel better about their sexual confidence and quality of life.
• This study is preliminary: it was small, could not fully randomise people because of medical cannabis rules, and it did not provide clear answers about whether THC and CBD differ in effect. The authors say larger, more controlled studies are needed.

Abstract

These preliminary and exploratory outcomes look promising and provide a foundation for future research to develop varied healthcare options to improve mental health service delivery and quality of life for this cohort.

Topics

Cancer survivorship and care Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum Music Therapy and Health

Categories

Health Sciences Medicine Oncology

Tags

Cannabis Clinical psychology Gender studies Human sexuality Internal medicine Medicine Mindfulness Orgasm Psychiatry Psychology Psychotherapist Quality of life (healthcare) Randomized controlled trial Self-compassion Sexual dysfunction Sexual function Sociology

Substances

Cannabis medical cannabis

Conditions & symptoms

Sexual Dysfunctions Chronic pain Sadness or low mood