Sex related difference in response to experimental pain in first year medical students

Abstract

–Pain is complex multidimensional experience influenced by physical, psychological, and social factors. In recent years sex differences in responses to pain have received increased attention. Purpose of study was to determine sex differences in experimental pain response. For this study cold pressor test was used to exert experimental pain. 100 medical students (50 boys and 50 girls) participated in study. Subject was asked to submit his hand into container with ice water. Radial pulse was measured before and immediately after test to determine pulse reactivity. Pain threshold and tolerance were measured. Subject was asked to determine intensity of pain during test and rate on VAS. Data was statistically analysed using student t-test and Correlation Coefficient. Pain threshold and pain tolerance were significantly more in boys, Pain rating was significantly more in girls. Pain reactivity was significantly more in girls. In both sexes, baseline pulse showed positive relationship with pain threshold and pain tolerance and negative relationship with pain rating. Women typically displaying greater pain sensitivity than men, but mechanisms underlying differences remain unclear. Possible explanation suggests that men are more motivated to tolerate and suppress expressions of pain because masculine sex role, whereas feminine sex role encourages pain expression. Different pain perception might account for sex difference in pulse reactivity. Hormonal influences may play minor role.