Cannabis Suppositories and Mindful Compassion Online Groups for Sexual Functioning

Research aim: To determine how an online mindful-compassion intervention adjunct with cannabis suppositories might reduce vaginal pain during sexual intimacy among women post-gynaecological cancer treatment. Outcomes are also hoped to increase sexual functioning, well-being, sexual self-efficacy and quality of life. Research intention: If the combined mindful compassion and cannabis suppository intervention reduces vaginal pain and supports sexual and general well-being, then this research would be repeated on a larger scale targeting psychosexual services. A brief overview of the intervention: Mindfulness has been anecdotally discussed in reducing symptoms of vaginal pain and increasing overall well-being. A novel approach to pain management includes medical cannabis, which can be cannabidiol, tetrahydrocannabinol or both. Vaginal suppositories do not create a euphoric high in the same way as oral use, including inhalation. Quantitatively, randomisation will be based on whether participants use cannabis suppositories or not. This study does not randomise to cannabis groups owing to the legalities in the United Kingdom. Participants included eighty-three consenting participants. Of these, forty-one were using cannabis suppositories. The intervention was delivered for one month, and the follow-up was at twelve weeks. Qualitatively, participants were asked approximately eight open-ended feedback questions throughout the study.

Sex

Female

Minimum age

18 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* Participants were allocated to cannabis only, and cannabis adjunct groups would already be using cannabis suppositories.
* Must have engaged in vaginal sex within the last month
* Must be at least 6 months post cancer treatment
* Must be based in the United Kingdom
* Must have experienced sexual pain
* An absence of co-occurring difficulties
* Must be aged 18 years or older
* Must be able to read and write English.
* Patient health screening score must range between 0-9 mild
* Generalised anxiety disorder screening score must range between 0-9, mild

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have not attempted vaginal intercourse in the last month
* Have co-occurring difficulties
* Are still receiving cancer treatment or within 6 months of cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, surgery or radiation
* Aged below 18 years old
* Reading and writing English difficulties
* Not experiencing pain during vaginal sexual intercourse.
* Patient health screening score ranged between moderate to severe - 10-27
* Generalised anxiety screening score ranged between 10- 21.

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