Pain Management for Women in Hospital Settings
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There is a need to understand women’s pain experiences, management types, and disparities in healthcare and clinical trial settings to increase representation and improve health outcomes. Women commonly experience dismissal of their pain as a result of gender bias. Studies have detailed the disparities between men and women receiving painkillers, the time to receive medication, and hospital discharges. Several studies support these claims, but there remains an opportunity to actively address the inequitable treatment in the healthcare system based on gender. Delayed diagnosis or access to treatment could result in excess mortality among women.
Disparities
One of the most prominent examples of health disparities based on gender relates to reproductive health and birth control. The insertion of an intrauterine device (IUD), which is inserted into the cervix through the vagina, is a common option for birth control. Not only is it an uncomfortable experience for many women, but it can also be extremely painful. Despite healthcare providers explaining that the pain is similar to a pinch, women have reported fainting due to severe pain. This procedure is often done in an outpatient setting; no local anesthetic or sedation is provided. When pain medication or sedation is provided, it is because the patient heavily advocates receiving them.
Many believe that pain management would be standard practice if men had to go through this experience. This idea is grounded in the theory that men’s pain is taken more seriously than women’s and that women’s health is understudied. As recently as 1993, Congress mandated that women and minorities be included in clinical research. Prior to this, clinical research informed the basis for care and often focused on men. This historical exclusion continues affecting women today, negatively impacting their experience with the healthcare system.
Pain Management & Chronic Illness
A second issue regarding women’s pain management centers around chronic disease. Women with chronic pain are suffering more than men, often for longer times. This is particularly troubling because women have higher rates of chronic disease. Healthcare providers and the healthcare system view men and women’s pain very different. If men seek treatment, they are regarded as brave, stoic, and tolerating pain. Comparatively, women are viewed as hysterical and sensitive. This perception that women are unable to tolerate pain, especially chronic pain, reinforces gender norms and increases health disparities.
Want to Learn More?
There is a lack of data providing a voice to women who have experienced dismissal of pain in the healthcare system. Outside of blogs and online forums, women do not have a platform to share their stories. Interviews and focus groups can be used to generate qualitative data to help systematically understand women’s experience with pain management in the healthcare system. Gaining an understanding of women’s experiences would be helpful for organizations within pharma, medical technology, and healthcare in improving clinical care for women. The Evidence to Practice team is skilled in qualitative data collection methods such as one-on-one interviews and focus groups. Additionally, our staff has content expertise in maternal & child health, health equity, and implementation science.