Effects of Cannabinoids on Female Sexual Function

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Neuropharmacology
• Human Sexuality

Background:

• Cannabinoid use, encompassing both natural endocannabinoids and external sources like marijuana (THC), is increasing globally.
• Evidence suggests cannabinoids influence female reproductive pathways and sexual responses.
• Current understanding of cannabinoid mechanisms and their specific impact on female sexual function remains limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing literature on the effects of endocannabinoids and exogenous cannabinoids on female sexual function.
• To synthesize findings from both animal models and human studies.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed for English-language, peer-reviewed articles published between 1970 and 2019.
• Search terms included "cannabinoids," "endocannabinoids," "marijuana," "cannabis," and "female sexual function."
• Included studies were analyzed for their findings on female sexual function outcomes.

Main Results:

• Twelve human studies and eight animal studies were identified and included in the review.
• Animal studies employed blinded, prospective, placebo-controlled designs.
• Human studies relied predominantly on questionnaire data, indicating dose-dependent effects: low doses generally facilitated or had no effect on female sexual desire and receptivity, whereas high doses inhibited these aspects.

Conclusions:

• Cannabinoids demonstrably affect female sexual function in both animal models and humans.
• The precise nature of these effects (positive or negative) varies with dosage and species, requiring further investigation.
• Increased legalization of marijuana necessitates more rigorous, well-controlled studies to elucidate these complex interactions.