Pain in Women's Health
Pain in Women's Health
Pain has always been a part of women's health experiences, inherent to such physiologic processes as menstrual cramping, labor contractions, and uniquely female illnesses, such as cervical or ovarian cancer. However, the understanding of pain -- its nature, its purpose, and its sometimes debatable need for removal -- remains elusive. Pain's origins are in the physical realm, but it is manifested through an array of psychological, social, and cultural factors. The concept of pain is explored using an evolutionary approach to understanding the mechanisms associated with the physiologic, psychological, developmental, and sociocultural aspects of this phenomenon. The relevance of this exploratory look at pain as it relates to offering health care to women is discussed. The manner in which pain affects individuals and the methods with which it can be treated are critical elements in the provision of quality health care.
Philosopher Hannah Arendt believed that pain was an essential part of the human condition, one which would become "lifeless" should the feeling of pain be removed. Indeed, for centuries philosophers, healers, and poets have spoken of the importance of pain to the process of being human. In the minds of many, pain is a necessary part of life, and is not easily removed, nor should it be.
Enter the 21st century. Pain, and determining ways to control it, is on the minds of Americans. Many persons today are unwilling to accept pain as a natural condition of life. From infancy through adulthood, pain is viewed as a negative condition that should be avoided or overcome at all costs. It is estimated that $100 billion is spent annually on pain care in the United States. Over $4 billion is spent annually on over-the-counter pain medications for headache. In 1999, it was estimated that over 48 million Americans experienced chronic pain. There are approximately 70 million emergency room visits annually, and $65 billion lost in productivity each year due to pain.
The concept of pain encompasses multiple dimensions. While pain's stimulus is in the physical realm, the experience of pain is affected by an array of social, cultural, and psychological factors that make understanding and treating pain a difficult task. Pain management is an essential part of clinical practice, one that is best served by exploring the concept of pain, the manner in which it affects individuals, and methods for abrogating it or assisting the individual in coping with its effects.
This article uses an evolutionary approach to understanding the physiologic, psychological, developmental, and sociocultural aspects of pain; in particular, as they affect women, especially with regard to conditions that are unique to or prevalent in women.
Pain has always been a part of women's health experiences, inherent to such physiologic processes as menstrual cramping, labor contractions, and uniquely female illnesses, such as cervical or ovarian cancer. However, the understanding of pain -- its nature, its purpose, and its sometimes debatable need for removal -- remains elusive. Pain's origins are in the physical realm, but it is manifested through an array of psychological, social, and cultural factors. The concept of pain is explored using an evolutionary approach to understanding the mechanisms associated with the physiologic, psychological, developmental, and sociocultural aspects of this phenomenon. The relevance of this exploratory look at pain as it relates to offering health care to women is discussed. The manner in which pain affects individuals and the methods with which it can be treated are critical elements in the provision of quality health care.
| "The human condition is such that pain and effort are not just symptoms which can be removed without changing life itself; they are the modes in which life itself, together with the necessity to which it is bound, makes itself felt. For mortals, the 'easy life of the gods' would be a lifeless life." |
| Hannah Arendt, 1958 |
Philosopher Hannah Arendt believed that pain was an essential part of the human condition, one which would become "lifeless" should the feeling of pain be removed. Indeed, for centuries philosophers, healers, and poets have spoken of the importance of pain to the process of being human. In the minds of many, pain is a necessary part of life, and is not easily removed, nor should it be.
Enter the 21st century. Pain, and determining ways to control it, is on the minds of Americans. Many persons today are unwilling to accept pain as a natural condition of life. From infancy through adulthood, pain is viewed as a negative condition that should be avoided or overcome at all costs. It is estimated that $100 billion is spent annually on pain care in the United States. Over $4 billion is spent annually on over-the-counter pain medications for headache. In 1999, it was estimated that over 48 million Americans experienced chronic pain. There are approximately 70 million emergency room visits annually, and $65 billion lost in productivity each year due to pain.
The concept of pain encompasses multiple dimensions. While pain's stimulus is in the physical realm, the experience of pain is affected by an array of social, cultural, and psychological factors that make understanding and treating pain a difficult task. Pain management is an essential part of clinical practice, one that is best served by exploring the concept of pain, the manner in which it affects individuals, and methods for abrogating it or assisting the individual in coping with its effects.
This article uses an evolutionary approach to understanding the physiologic, psychological, developmental, and sociocultural aspects of pain; in particular, as they affect women, especially with regard to conditions that are unique to or prevalent in women.