RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Use of Cannabidiol Suppositories for Sexual Pain

This research is exploring if special suppositories containing CBD (cannabidiol) can help people who experience pain during sex. We're also checking if these suppositories can improve general well-being, sexual enjoyment, and quality of life. CBD is a part of cannabis but doesn't make you feel high. It's thought to be safe and has shown promise in helping with pain. We will compare different strengths of CBD suppositories to a group not using them to see which, if any, is most effective. The study aims to gather initial information about how well this treatment might work.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

London Metropolitan University

Enrolment target

Start

16 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

01 Aug 2026

Well-Being, Psychological Quality of Life Sexual Behavior Sexual Pain Disorder

What is this study about?

Experiencing pain during sex can be really tough and can affect people of all genders and their partners. It can impact how someone feels about themselves, their relationships, and their overall happiness. This study is looking into a potential new way to help: using suppositories that contain cannabidiol, or CBD.

CBD is a natural substance found in the cannabis plant, but it’s important to know that it's different from THC, the part of cannabis that makes people feel 'high.' CBD doesn't have that effect and is generally considered safe. Some early studies have suggested that CBD might help reduce pain and improve sexual well-being, and this research aims to investigate that further.

The main goal of this particular study is to see if CBD suppositories can reduce pain during sexual activity and improve a person's overall quality of life and sense of well-being. We're also trying to find out if different strengths of CBD suppositories have different effects. If this small study shows promising results, it could lead to larger studies and potentially new ways to help people who struggle with sexual pain.

Key takeaways

Exploring if CBD suppositories can reduce sexual pain.
Investigating if CBD can improve sexual well-being and quality of life.
Comparing different strengths of CBD to standard care.
CBD is non-intoxicating and considered safe.
The study lasts one month with a follow-up at 12 weeks.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and regularly experience pain during sexual activity. You must also have tried having sex in the last month. We are including all genders, sexualities, and abilities.

It's important that you have used CBD before in some form and did not have an allergic reaction. Also, we can only include people whose feelings of anxiety or low mood are mild, based on a simple questionnaire. Unfortunately, if you have other significant health conditions that occur at the same time, this study might not be right for you.

Conversely, you cannot join if you haven't recently tried having sex, are not experiencing sexual pain, have had an allergic reaction to CBD, or if your anxiety or low mood is more than mild. This helps us make sure the study is safe and that the results are clear.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you experience pain during sexual activity?
Have you tried having sex in the last month?
Have you used CBD before without an allergic reaction?
Do you have only mild anxiety or mild feelings of low mood (if any)?
Do you have any other significant health problems that are occurring at the same time?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will be randomly placed into one of four groups. Three of these groups will use CBD suppositories of different strengths (approximately 30mg, 50mg, or 100mg), and one group will receive standard care without CBD. A doctor will guide you on the specific suppositories if you are in one of those groups.

You will use the suppositories or continue with your usual care for one month. Throughout this time, and at the end, you'll be asked to provide feedback by answering a few open-ended questions about your experiences. We will also follow up with you specifically at 12 weeks after the study intervention begins to see how you are doing. The total duration of your active involvement with the treatment or standard care will be one month, with a follow-up assessment three months after the study starts.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer the potential benefit of reducing your sexual pain and improving your overall well-being and quality of life if the CBD suppositories are effective for you. However, as with any study, there's always a chance that the treatment might not work as hoped, or you might experience minor side effects, though CBD is generally considered safe and non-intoxicating. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

School of Social Sciences and Professions
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural substance found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it does not make you feel 'high' and is believed to be safe to use.

Will I know which dose of CBD I'm getting?

No, you will be randomly assigned to one of four groups, including different CBD doses or a group receiving standard care. Your doctor will guide you.

How long will I be in the study?

You will use the suppositories or follow your usual care for one month, with a follow-up check-in at 12 weeks after the study starts.

What if I experience side effects?

While CBD is generally safe, if you experience anything unusual, you should inform the study team immediately. You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Is this study only for certain genders?

No, this study welcomes people of all genders, sexualities, and abilities who meet the other eligibility criteria.

How to find out more

Anna Kamyk

rpo@londonmet.ac.uk 02074230000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.