Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Determining Pain Detection and Tolerance Thresholds Using an Integrated, Multi-Modal Pain Task Battery
Published on: April 14, 2016
Influence of oral contraceptive use on pain perception and blood pressure
Kelli F Koltyn1, Jennifer A Landis, Erin A Dannecker
1University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, and University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 53706, USA. Koltyn@education.wisc.edu
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of oral contraceptive (OC) use on pain perception and blood pressure. Thirty women (15 using OC and 15 normally menstruating) reported to the laboratory once a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Blood pressure and heart rate were assessed, and then pressure was applied to the left forefinger for 2 minutes with the Forgione-Barber pain stimulator while participants indicated when the stimulus became painful (PT) and rated the intensity of pain (PR). Data were analyzed with a 2 (group) x 4 (trials) ANOVA. Results indicated no significant differences (P > 0.05) for PT or PR between the two groups of women across the 4 weeks. There was a significant trials effect for systolic blood pressure (SBP; P < 0.05), with SBP being higher premenstrually and menstrually compared with postmenstrually in both groups of women. It is concluded that OC use did not significantly influence pain perception or blood pressure.
Related Concept Videos
Factors affecting Blood pressure
Physiological Factors:
Analgesia and Pain Management
Hormonal Regulation of Blood Pressure
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
The adrenal medulla releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, catecholamines that enhance and extend the sympathetic or "fight or flight" physiological response. These hormones escalate heart rate and the force of contraction while...
Chronopharmacokinetics: Circadian Rhythms and Influence on Drug Response
The time of drug administration is an important factor to consider, as it can influence the toxic dose of a drug. For example, a study conducted by Prins et al. in 1997 examined the effects of the timing of...
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure
The average BP in an adult is typically around 120/80 mmHg (millimeters of mercury). In this measurement, the numerator (120) indicates the systolic pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries during the contraction of the heart's ventricles as blood is expelled. The denominator (80) represents the diastolic...