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[Are there differences between men and women with pain?]
N Jaunin-Stalder1, C Mazzocato
1PMU, 1011 Lausanne. nicole.jaunin@hospvd.ch
Revue Medicale Suisse
|September 1, 2012
Summary
Pain perception and treatment differ between men and women due to biological sex and socio-cultural gender roles. Understanding these sex and gender differences in pain is crucial for effective clinical management and improved patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pain research
- Sex and gender studies
- Clinical pain management
Context:
- Growing body of literature highlights sex- and gender-based differences in pain experiences.
- Pain prevalence, threshold, tolerance, interpretation, and coping mechanisms vary between males and females.
- Healthcare providers' translation and treatment of pain also exhibit sex and gender disparities.
Purpose:
- To explore the biological (sex) and socio-cultural (gender) factors contributing to observed differences in pain.
- To provide explanations for the varying ways men and women experience, perceive, and cope with pain.
- To enhance the clinical approach to managing pain by considering sex and gender influences.
Summary:
- Women generally report higher pain prevalence, lower pain thresholds, and lower pain tolerance compared to men.
- Differences extend to pain interpretation, perception, and the adoption of coping strategies.
- Medical professionals' understanding and treatment of pain are also influenced by patient sex and gender.
Impact:
- Offers insights to improve the clinical management of pain, a common and debilitating symptom.
- Aims to optimize treatment strategies by acknowledging and addressing sex- and gender-specific pain modulation.
- Contributes to a better understanding of pain as a complex phenomenon influenced by biological and social factors, ultimately improving quality of life.
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