Is CBD a Natural Relief for Painful Sex?
Time to read 5 min
Time to read 5 min
Painful sex isn’t uncommon—according to statistics from the American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians—nearly 3 out of 4 women have pain during intercourse at some time during their lives. While some slight pain or discomfort could just be a sex position, lack of lube or muscle soreness, regular, chronic pain during sex is not okay.
A UK survey reported that nearly 1 in 10 women experience chronic painful sex, with women aged 16-24 reporting especially high occurences. And, a US Study found that 30% of women reported painful sex during their most recent sexual experience. Severe or frequent pain is not normal and is not something you should have to endure every time you have sex.
Women often suffer alone, many of the women who reported having painful sex weren’t letting their doctors know out of embarrassment, and also were not talking to their partner. Some women involved in the survey reported feeling so afraid of pain, they avoided sex altogether.
The fix for painful sex remains somewhat of a mystery, doctors and sex educators will often call it ‘Dyspareunia’, but that does not mean they know how to fix it. Painful sex can be caused by various physical and/or psychological reasons. Which we discuss below, but not being able to pinpoint the exact cause makes it very hard to fix, and also incredibly frustrating for the woman experiencing it regularly.
CBD (cannabidiol) is a natural compound found in the hemp plant that has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing pain and inflammation. When used as a suppository, CBD is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, allowing it to work quickly to reduce discomfort and inflammation in the pelvic area. Additionally, CBD has been shown to have relaxing effects on the body, which can help reduce anxiety and tension that may be contributing to painful sex. Because CBD is a natural compound and is not associated with the same negative side effects as some pharmaceutical medications, it is a safe and effective option for natural pain relief during sex.
During sexual arousal, glands at the entrance of the vagina may or may not secrete fluids to aid intercourse. Too little fluid can lead to painful intercourse. So, always use Lube, ALWAYS. The societal perception that using lube implies sexual inadequacy is false, lubrication is essential for comfortable and enjoyable sexual activity. It can also help prevent tearing or injury to sensitive genital tissues and decrease the risk of infection.
CBD Suppositories are often used in the treatment of sexual pain or discomfort as they can help reduce inflammation, relieve vaginal dryness, and provide localized pain relief. They are designed to be inserted into the vagina or rectum, where they dissolve and release CBD to the surrounding tissues.
Mello Bottoms have been specially designed to be a useful tool in managing any pain experienced and improving sexual function. They help physically and mentally. Physically, they will decrease the pain and increase blood flow helping to relax your vagina. And mentally, they clear your mind of the anxiety of the expected pain.
*Our Founder Boronia, experienced Vulvodynia for 8 years and created Mello Bottoms knowing the struggle. Read her story.
Regular masturbation exercises your pelvic floor muscles. Which can help vaginismus. It also allows you to get to know your body’s signs of pain. Sexual pain does not just occur with a partner, so get to know how it starts and where it is. Learn how you experience or move through it on your own. Know your limits and then use your voice with your partner(s).
Masturbation can also help improve painful sex by increasing blood flow to the pelvic area and stimulating the production of natural lubrication, which can reduce discomfort during sexual activity.
Talk to your partner(s). Let them know how you are feeling and what you are feeling. Let them know when it hurts and where it hurts.
Communication can improve intimacy in the relationship by promoting mutual understanding and empathy. By sharing your experiences and concerns, you and your partner can work together to find solutions that work for both of you and ensure that sexual activity is comfortable, enjoyable, and fulfilling.
*We understand this can be tricky if you are only experiencing casual encounters. But set a boundary for the extent of the casual encounter. Maybe it’s only foreplay without penetration? Set your line of what you are comfortable doing. If it hurts stop.
Don’t rush into vaginal or anal sex. Engage in longer foreplay to encourage the secretion of the body’s natural lubricants. Engage in more sensual activities that increase arousal such as using clitoral vibrators, nipple stimulation, longer make-out sessions, and sensual massages and touch. Take the pressure off yourself to have any form of penetration.
You are allowed to take penetration off the menu for a minute. Remember mutual masturbation and vigorous over-the-clothes action is still sex. Choose alternative sexual positions not involving penetration to minimize deep pain.
But if penetration is your goal, here are some sexual positions that may help reduce friction and pain:
No one shouldn’t experience their shame and embarrassment alone. Talk to one person, and share what you are going through. It will help, and you may find they have their own experience. You are not alone. This is common and happens to many people.
It's important to communicate with your partner to find what works best for both of you. Additionally, seeking guidance from a healthcare provider or sex therapist may be helpful in managing sexual pain and discomfort.