A Literature Review on Pain Management in Women During Medical Procedures: Gaps, Challenges, and Recommendations

Keren Grinberg, Yael Sela
In: Medicina · 2025 · vol. 61(8) , pp. 1352 · doi:10.3390/medicina61081352 · PMID:40870397 · PMC12388214 · W4412691370
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Abstract

Background and Objectives: Gender disparities in pain management persist, with women frequently receiving inadequate analgesia despite reporting similar or higher pain levels compared with men. This issue is particularly evident across various medical and gynecological procedures. Materials and Methods: This integrative literature review synthesizes recent empirical studies examining gender biases in pain perception and management, focusing specifically on procedural pain in women. It includes an analysis of clinical research, patient-reported outcomes, and healthcare provider behaviors. Results: The findings indicate that unconscious biases, a lack of gender-specific clinical protocols, and prevailing cultural stereotypes contribute to the undertreatment of pain in women during procedures such as intrauterine device insertion and diagnostic hysteroscopy. Additionally, communication gaps between patients and healthcare providers exacerbate these disparities. Conclusions: Addressing gender disparities in pain management necessitates systemic reforms, including the implementation of gender-sensitive clinical guidelines, enhanced provider education, and targeted policy changes. Personalized, gender-informed approaches are essential to improving equity and quality of care in pain treatment.

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