Study register · detail
Mixed
GRADE
Low
3 citations
Samplen = 122 Pat.
DurationMarch to August 2019
EndpointSelf-reported symptom…
Blindingn.a.
DesignQuerschnittsstudie (elektronische Survey)
Key finding
92,3% of cannabis users reported symptom improvement, but 80,7% experienced side effects (dry mouth, drowsiness, feeling of intoxication).
Summary
Survey on cannabis use in chronic pelvic pain (CPP); n=122 (113 with CPP diagnosis), 23% reported cannabis use (60% CBD+THC combination). Of the cannabis users (n=26), 92,3% reported symptom improvement (pain, cramps, sleep disturbances, anxiety), 80,7% reported side effects (dry mouth, drowsiness).
P
PopulationWomen with chronic pelvic pain (CPP), dyspareunia or endometriosis, n=113 (self-reported CPP), age range 18–89 years
I
InterventionSelf-reported cannabis use (CBD, THC or combination), various formulations and dosages
O
Outcome92,3 % of cannabis users (n=24/26) reported symptom improvement (pain, cramps, muscle spasm, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances); 80,7 % reported side effects (mainly dry mouth, drowsiness, 'high' feeling)
Confidence in the evidence
Low
The second of four GRADE levels, the effect estimate is of limited reliability.
Quality profile
Sample size
★★★★★
Blinding
—
Effect size
Mixed
Citations / year
★★★★★
Authors
Share
Abstract
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects up to 15% of women in the United States. The endocannabinoid system can be a pharmacological target for endometriosis-related pelvic pain, as cannabis receptors are highly expressed in the uterus and other non-reproductive tissues. We hypothesize that many patients with CPP use cannabis and report improvement in symptoms. An anonymous, confidential, electronic survey was performed from March through August 2019. Patients aged 18 through 89 were included if they had a diagnosis of pelvic/perineal pain, dyspareunia, or endometriosis. Subjects were approached during outpatient appointments. Study approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board. A total of 122 of 240 (50.8%) patients responded. Of these, 113 self-reported a diagnosis of CPP (92.6%). Twenty-six patients reported cannabis use (23%). Six (24%) used Cannabidiol (CBD), 3 (12%) used tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and 15 (60%) used a combination of CBD and THC. Frequency of use varied, with the majority using at least once per week (n=18, 69.2%). Only 5 (19.2%) utilized a State Medical Cannabis Program to obtain a certification. Of users, 24 (92.3%) reported improvement in symptoms, including pain, cramping, muscle spasms, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, libido, and irritability. However, 21 (80.7%) reported side effects; the most common were dry mouth, sleepiness, and feeling “high.” Up to 23% of patients with CPP report use of cannabis as an adjunct to their prescribed therapy, and they use a variety of formulations and doses. Most report daily or weekly use. Although side effects are common, most users report improvement in symptoms.
The impediment to action advances action.