Researchers from London Metropolitan University, Regent’s University London, and Imperial College London found that cannabis suppositories and online mindful compassion interventions significantly improved sexual function and reduced pain for women recovering from gynaecological cancer.
The study, published in the journal Medicina, highlights the profound effect such treatments have on female sexuality and the limited research addressing these issues. The trial involved 83 women, aged 18 to 50+, who were at least six months post-treatment. Participants were divided into four groups: cannabis-only (CO), mindful-compassion (MC), a combination of the two (COCM), and a care-as-usual control group (CAU).
Findings revealed significant improvements in sexual function, including arousal, lubrication, and orgasms, in both the MC and COCM groups. Notably, sexual pain decreased in the COCM and CO groups. Participant feedback suggested cannabis facilitated mindful compassion’s effects, enhancing well-being, sexual self-efficacy, and quality of life.
In the study, many women expressed a preference for cannabis suppositories over traditional dilators, which they felt negatively impacted their sexuality.
“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”, concludes the study.
For more information on this study, click here.
