Survey Finds Endometriosis Patients Prefer Cannabis Over Prescription Medications
According to the World Health Organization, endometriosis “is a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.” International researchers estimate that as many as 190 million women suffer from the serious health condition worldwide.
“The cause of endometriosis is unknown. There is no known way to prevent endometriosis. There is no cure, but its symptoms can be treated with medicines or, in some cases, surgery.” The World Health Organization states about endometriosis.
A team of researchers affiliated with various health and academic institutions in New Zealand and Australia recently conducted a survey asking about endometriosis, medical cannabis use, and how cannabis therapeutics compared to traditional pharmaceutical medications. The survey’s findings were published in the academic journal Reproduction and Fertility.
“People with endometriosis report consuming cannabis to manage their symptoms. Given the range of differing legalities and access pathways across the world, this study aimed to investigate the drivers and barriers to cannabis use worldwide.” the researchers stated about their work.
“An online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey was distributed internationally by endometriosis organisations and was open to anyone consuming cannabis for endometriosis symptoms. Survey questions included motivations for both starting and ongoing cannabis consumption, concerns over cannabis use, reasons for stopping cannabis, and communication of cannabis consumption with healthcare providers. Eight hundred and eighty-nine responses were collected across >10 countries.” the researchers stated about their survey methodology.
“Illicit cannabis (56.7%) was the most common access pathway. 99% of respondents stated they would continue to use cannabis to manage their endometriosis-based symptoms, with 90% reporting they would recommend its use to a friend or relative with the disease. The most common motivation(s) for cannabis consumption were inadequate pain control (68.6%) and bothersome side effects of medications (56.3%). Similar motivations were reported for ongoing cannabis consumption, with concerns over dependence/addiction on pharmaceutical medications (43.9%) being another common motivation. Those using illicit cannabis were significantly less likely (P < 0.0001) to disclose their cannabis consumption to medical professionals.” the researchers found.
“Cannabis was viewed as superior to pharmaceuticals both in terms of effectiveness and side-effect profile.” the researchers concluded.
The results of a separate survey previously published in the journal Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics found that nearly 20% of patients diagnosed with endometriosis report consuming medical cannabis to help manage their symptoms.