Vella Bioscience launches Ebbtide vaginal insert for menstrual discomfort

On May 12, 2026, Vella Bioscience announced the launch of Ebbtide, a non-hormonal vaginal insert designed to support uterine muscular relaxation and alleviate pelvic tension. The product, available beginning May 19, 2026, utilizes a proprietary cannabidiol precision technology to deliver a localized, consistent dose of purified CBD isolate.¹

The formulation is designed to dissolve at the tissue level in the vaginal canal, using a base of coconut-derived lipids and macrogol esters. Unlike systemic oral medications, the suppository focuses on reducing uterine contractility directly at the physiological source of cramping.

The product’s development was supported by preclinical and mechanistic studies evaluating the effect of CBD and CBDA on uterine muscle tissue. In clinical trials involving the insert, 81% of participants reported that they were able to reduce or eliminate their reliance on oral medications to manage menstrual discomfort.

The formulation also includes vitamin E to support tissue conditioning. Although primarily marketed for menstrual symptoms, the manufacturer indicated the muscle-calming properties are intended to support pelvic comfort during other hormonal transitions, including perimenopause, menopause, and postpartum recovery.

“Menstrual and pelvic discomfort are often minimized or normalized, but they shouldn't be,” said Maria Uloko, MD, board-certified urologist and member of Vella's Scientific Advisory Board. “Ebbtide is different because it works at the physiological source of cramping and tension. The underlying science—developed by Vella's R&D team—focuses on reducing uterine contractility through a novel combination of CBD and CBDA. That scientific rigor translates into real-world impact: meaningful options for women navigating menstrual discomfort, and more control over their daily lives.”

In conjunction with the product launch, the company announced a partnership with PERIOD., a global nonprofit focused on ending period poverty and stigma.

“Access to menstrual care is fundamental, yet so many people still lack the resources they need to manage their cycles with dignity,” said Jennifer Herrera, Executive Director of PERIOD. “We're excited to partner with Vella to expand access to care, including innovative solutions like Ebbtide that are designed to ease pelvic discomfort during menstruation.”

RELATED: Defining and documenting period poverty, with Elizabeth Alderman, MD & Julie Samuels

In a recent interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Elizabeth Alderman, MD, and Julie Samuels explain new research detailing what data exists for period poverty in high-income countries, as well as the lack of data on established interventions.²

“We defined period poverty as inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools, so any supplies used to absorb blood during a menstrual period, as well as access to washing facilities and proper waste management,” said Samuels. “While there's been an abundance of research in low- and middle-income countries establishing that adolescents and young adults experience poverty in those locations, we specifically wanted to look at how individuals in high-income countries are affected.”

Click here to watch.

References:

1. Vella Biosciences launches Ebbtide, a science-driven vaginal insert designed to address the source of menstrual discomfort. Vella Biosciences. News release. Published May 12, 2026. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vella-bioscience-launches-ebbtide-a-science-driven-vaginal-insert-designed-to-address-the-source-of-menstrual-discomfort
2. Fitch J. Defining and documenting period poverty, with Elizabeth Alderman, MD & Julie Samuels. Contemporary OB/GYN. Published May 11, 2026. Accessed May 12, 2026. https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/defining-and-documenting-period-poverty-with-elizabeth-alderman-md-julie-samuels