Gender Differences in Pain Perception

Abstract

Background: Gender differences in pain perception have been widely reported, with women typically displaying greater pain sensitivity than men, but the mechanism underlying these differences remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the gender differences in pain perception/responses during propofol injection in an adult Nigerian population. Methods: The incidence and intensity of pain were assessed using a four point Verbal Rating Scale 0 to 3 during propofol injection. Results: The outcome of gender pain differences, revealed that 100% (4 patients) who experienced pain in group A were female (no male subject was found); while group B had 4 male patients (36.4%) and 7 female patients (63.6%) experienced pain. Thus, female patients had statistically significant greater pain responses/perception than men in both groups, P < 0.05 using the Chi-square test. Conclusion: Women had significantly greater pain perception than men during propofol injection.