Meftal comes with side-effects. Can CBD-infused tampons help with your period pain?

Following the IPC's recent safety alert on the commonly-prescribed Meftal, a recent study suggests that CBD-infused tampons show promise in effectively treating severe menstrual cramps and associated pain, with “statistically significant pain reduction”.

What

The study, detailed in the Journal of Endometriosis and Uterine Disorders, titled “Efficacy and usability of a cannabidiol-infused tampon for the relief of primary dysmenorrhea,” conducted by researchers from Anne’s Day Ltd in the United Kingdom and the Institute for Medical Research in Bulgaria, explores the potential of CBD tampons as a method for managing menstrual pain.

According to the study, CBD-infused tampons demonstrated "statistically significant pain reduction" and were associated with fewer side-effects compared to traditional anti-inflammatories, while providing a similar pain-relieving effect. 

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Research

• The research, set to be published in the March 2024 issue of the journal, involved 114 participants aged 18-45, who were either given CBD-infused tampons or regular tampons. 
• The study spanned three months, during which participants were interviewed about various pain-related parameters, including vaginal irritation, sensitisation, systemic toxicity, material-mediated pyrogenicity, and potential toxic shock syndrome risk.

Results

• Results indicated that 37%-40% of participants experienced improvements in vaginal dryness, while an equal percentage reported enhancements in mood or overall well-being. 
• Over 80% of participants described the CBD-infused tampons as "satisfactory or enjoyable". 

However, the researchers acknowledged the study's small sample size and suggested improvements for future research, such as recording pain data both before and after tampon application.

CBD target spot

The study also highlighted the presence of CB1 and CB2 receptors in uterine tissue, making the area an ideal target for localised administration of cannabinoids like CBD and concluded that CBD-infused tampons hold potential as a viable intervention for primary dysmenorrhea, calling for further exploration of the interrelationship between cannabinoids and menstrual pain.

Implications

Valentina Milanova, the lead author and CEO of Daye, a company specialising in gynecological research and the purported creator of the world's first CBD tampon, emphasised the need for continued investigation. 

While the study supports the efficacy and usability of CBD-infused tampons, the authors suggested refining the research design, potentially using a cross-over design, and addressing the limited sample size to strengthen the case for this innovative product's role in managing menstrual pain.

This study contributes to a growing body of research indicating the potential of cannabinoids, such as CBD, as effective and relatively safe alternatives for managing various forms of pain, including menstrual cramps. Additional studies and improvements in research design are, of course, necessary to fully understand the therapeutic effects of CBD.

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