Chronic pelvic pain alternative treatment acceptability study.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Study examining the current self-management strategies used to ease chronic pelvic pain and the acceptability of using cannabidiol (CBD).
IRAS ID
284720
Contact name
Nicola Tempest
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is one of the most common chronic pain problems experienced by women. It is defined as persistent pain, perceived to be originating in pelvic structures and lasting for a period of more than six months. Despite the high prevalence (38 per 1000), CPP is still poorly understood and causative pathology is not always found. CPP, as with any chronic condition, can cause significant psychological, social and economic burden on the woman’s quality of life. Currently the treatment options for women with CPP consist of hormonal treatment, pain killers or surgery. With many women reluctant to take hormones and or pain killers daily and specialist pain clinics massively oversubscribed with long waiting lists, we anticipate that an alternative treatment for CPP would be extremely welcomed.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a phytocannabinoid discovered in 1940, and is one of 113 identified cannabinoids derived from the cannabis plants. The exact mechanism of CBD’s pain killing properties has not been fully elucidated. A 2018 Critical Review Report by the WHO concerning CBD highlighted that although there is widespread unsanctioned medical use of CBD based products, there is preliminary evidence that it may be a useful treatment for pain, and it is well-tolerated, has a good safety profile and low abuse potential.
The primary objective of this study will be to determine if CBD is an acceptable treatment option for women suffering with CPP attending gynaecological clinics at Liverpool Women`s Hospital.
Secondary objectives will be to survey the current alternative self-management strategies patients are utilising to help ease their CPP and how they feel these helps.
A voluntary, self-reported, anonymous questionnaire will be administered to women attending gynaecological clinics in LWH which contain questions on self-management strategies and the appropriateness of using CBD as a treatment for CPP.REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NE/0194
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2020
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion