Health · Medical Research · 4 hrs ago
Studies point to biological reasons women may experience longer-lasting pain
A global study found women were more likely to report pain than men at all 11 body sites it examined, using data from more than six million people in 118 countries.
A separate study found that pain took longer to resolve in female mice, and pointed to differences in immune cells that help switch pain off.
Researchers also found evidence of a similar pattern in people recovering from traumatic injuries, though the findings do not explain every case of persistent pain.
In Singapore, one study found chronic pain in 10.9 per cent of women and 7.6 per cent of men.
Doctors say the difference is not simply about women having a lower pain tolerance; hormones, immune and nerve pathways, and social and psychological factors can all affect pain.
The findings suggest women's persistent pain has biological causes, and experts say it should be taken seriously rather than dismissed as weakness.
Studies suggest women are more likely than men to experience chronic pain and may take longer to recover from it.
A global study published in October found women more likely to report pain at all 11 body sites studied.
Research published in February found pain resolved more slowly in female mice and identified differences in immune cells involved in switching pain off.
Researchers also found evidence of a similar pattern in people recovering from traumatic injuries.
Experts say hormones, immune and neural pathways, and psychological and social factors can all influence pain.
- Who
- Women, compared with men, are more likely to experience chronic pain. Researchers studied pain in mice and people recovering from traumatic injuries.
- What
- Studies point to biological differences that may contribute to women experiencing pain more often and for longer.
- When
- A study appeared in February and a global study appeared in October; the article was published on Oct. 29, 2026.
- Where
- The global study covered 118 countries. The article also cites research and clinical observations in Singapore.
- Why
- Researchers point to differences in immune cells and sex hormones, alongside neural, psychological and social factors.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A study in Science Immunology reported that pain resolved more slowly in female mice and identified differences in immune cells involved in switching pain off.
A Nature Medicine study found women were more likely than men to report pain at all 11 body sites studied.
CNA published an article examining why pain may be more common or longer-lasting in women.
- Global study
- More than six million people across 118 countries
- Body sites studied
- 11
- Singapore chronic pain
- 10.9 per cent of women and 7.6 per cent of men
- Singaporeans aged 60 and above
- Women were 1.8 times more likely than men to report pain
What people are saying
The difference in pain between men and women has a biological basis
It’s not in your head, and you’re not soft. It’s in your immune system.
Pain is a much more complex biological experience