Differences Between Men and Women in Pain: More Than a Matter of Perception

This chapter underscores the significant impact of sex and gender on pain perception and its treatment. Historically, the crucial role of sex and gender has often been overlooked in the development of pain management approaches. However, as research groups began to systematically compare males and females in preclinical studies and incorporate the influence of biological sex and gender in clinical research, it became clear that there are noteworthy differences that demand attention. These disparities extend to various aspects, including pain perception, the psychological coping mechanisms employed in response to pain, and the effectiveness of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches. It is therefore imperative to incorporate sex and gender as vital variables when crafting more effective pain management strategies.