They say women have a higher pain tolerance. This is since most women can endure labor and birth pains, which, studies suggest is one of the most painful experiences known to humans. But while many acknowledge how high women’s tolerance to pain is, many people, even healthcare providers, are treating womens’ pain differently from that of men.
Pain Bias: Disparities in Treating Pain
Many women with serious medical conditions were diagnosed a little too late because some doctors chose to ignore their pain. This is even if they went to see a healthcare provider and ended up in the Emergency Room a couple of times. Gender stereotypes could be to blame as to why women’s pain is considered less intense when compared to men’s pain.
People often think that women overreact to everything, including pain. But when it comes to men, they are less likely to express pain for fear of reducing their masculinity. This is why when men make a painful facial expression or say they are “in pain,” many would assume that they are indeed in greater pain than women.
Many healthcare professionals conclude women’s pain to be less intense, leaving their concerns untreated. They are often prescribed the usual pain killers and would receive treatment after only waiting far longer than men. They also tend to wait long periods before being seen by a healthcare professional.
We have heard many horror stories of women expressing their pain only for doctors to brush off their concerns. They are often under-treated for months, years even, making them question themselves. Women are often treated with psychotherapy since most people consider their pain to be related to anxiety attacks.
Many healthcare providers often gaslight women’s pain because they always have women’s hormones, stress, and anxiety to blame. Hormones can impact a person’s response to pain, along with stress and anxiety. When you are anxious, stressed out, or have a hormonal imbalance, this can turn into physical symptoms, including pain.
How Women Are Fighting Back
Women who experienced extraordinary amounts of pain but were left untreated due to “pain bias” share their stories online. They want other women to know that they are not alone if they ever experience being told that their pain is simply due to stress, anxiety, or hormonal imbalance. They also want healthcare providers to stop the health inequality surrounding women’s pain.
In an attempt to manage their pain, many women turn to alternatives to address their health concerns. They are tired of medical professionals telling them to pop a pill, rest, or talk to a psychotherapist to better know the root cause of their pain. Many women found comfort in trying different alternatives, like the following.
Osteopathy
Osteopathy refers to the physical manipulation of one’s bones and muscle tissue. Many people use this to relieve pain and in achieving total wellness. Many women found comfort in investing in osteopath services so they could finally live a life with reduced aches and pain.
Acupuncture
This kind of alternative medicine is no longer marked as bizarre as before. These days, many people are willing to try acupuncture to address their pain. While no one is quite sure how acupuncture works, many people are trying this alternative to reduce their pain.
Chiropractic Manipulation
Another alternative medicine that is fast gaining popularity is chiropractic manipulation. There is simply something about chiropractic that makes people experience getting their bones cracked. The satisfaction, pleasure, and relief they feel after a session or two made many people quite a believer.
As for those who would rather have traditional healthcare providers take their pain seriously, women can use the following strategies to get their doctors to take their pain seriously.
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Find the Right Doctor
Many people would go to a random doctor or go to the OR only to see a doctor they know nothing about. Even if doctors are recognized for their expertise, that won’t automatically mean they are the right healthcare provider. It would be best to do your research, check their ratings, and find recommendations if possible.
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Come Prepared
It will help if you bring along a diary showing your record of symptoms. This will greatly help them in discerning your concern. Include your usual activities, what you did to ease the pain, and if you popped a prescription or over-the-counter medication.
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Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up
If you are not satisfied with your doctor’s response and feel like they dismiss you too early, speak up. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t feel satisfied after the appointment, go for a second opinion.
No one, men or women, should feel neglected when seeking answers about their pain. It is about time we abolish the pain bias. Gender biases, especially in the healthcare industry, should stop giving women equal rights to access necessary treatments.
