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The sexes don’t feel pain the same way

nature.com

11–20 of 146 posts

Re: The sexes don’t feel pain the same way

#12

My girlfriend seems to handle "direct" pain, like hitting stuff, getting cut or back pain, compared to me. Most times she just keeps going without uttering much at all. But she's significantly worse at dealing with cold, heat and high brightness. One thing is that her body may be worse at regulating temperature, but she can't stand going out in the cold even for a few minutes unless she's dressed like she's visiting…

Just a note, but it is possible for anyone to become hardened to cold weather with gradual exposure over time. I used to feel cold like death but now I easily walk around in casual clothes in 30 degree weather.

Re: The sexes don’t feel pain the same way

#13
post #8

My girlfriend seems to handle "direct" pain, like hitting stuff, getting cut or back pain, compared to me. Most times she just keeps going without uttering much at all. But she's significantly worse at dealing with cold, heat and high brightness. One thing is that her body may be worse at regulating temperature, but she can't stand going out in the cold even for a few minutes unless she's dressed like she's visiting…

So uhm, I’m a male reporting in with my anecdata. I am just like your girlfriend. Can’t tolerate extreme temperatures (especially cold), but have a fairly high tolerance for physical pain compared to what’s normal I think. And I am INFAMOUS for needing sunglasses. Whenever I’m visiting my folks, they know it’s the thing I’ll complain about if I’ll be in the sun and my mom will usually have bought sunglasses just for…

So your mom can anticipate you needing sunglasses and brings them for you, but you can't bring them for yourself?

Re: The sexes don’t feel pain the same way

#14

The obvious theory for different pain sensitivity between men and women is that women need to handle childbirth. Since that is unique to our species, animal testing probably won't be helpful there.

> Since that is unique to our species,

Much of the animal kingdom has the same issue of painful childbirth. What you mean by "handle", I can only guess. Perhaps something about recovery and a desire repeat.

Re: The sexes don’t feel pain the same way

#15
post #13
post #8

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So uhm, I’m a male reporting in with my anecdata. I am just like your girlfriend. Can’t tolerate extreme temperatures (especially cold), but have a fairly high tolerance for physical pain compared to what’s normal I think. And I am INFAMOUS for needing sunglasses. Whenever I’m visiting my folks, they know it’s the thing I’ll complain about if I’ll be in the sun and my mom will usually have bought sunglasses just for…

So your mom can anticipate you needing sunglasses and brings them for you, but you can't bring them for yourself?

That’s what moms are for ;)

Re: The sexes don’t feel pain the same way

#16

The obvious theory for different pain sensitivity between men and women is that women need to handle childbirth. Since that is unique to our species, animal testing probably won't be helpful there.

> Since that is unique to our species, Much of the animal kingdom has the same issue of painful childbirth. What you mean by "handle", I can only guess. Perhaps something about recovery and a desire repeat.

Do you even science bro? Child birth is unique to humans. Animals lay eggs, like dinosaurs and Easter rabbits.

Re: The sexes don’t feel pain the same way

#17

The obvious theory for different pain sensitivity between men and women is that women need to handle childbirth. Since that is unique to our species, animal testing probably won't be helpful there.

> Since that is unique to our species, Much of the animal kingdom has the same issue of painful childbirth. What you mean by "handle", I can only guess. Perhaps something about recovery and a desire repeat.

> Much of the animal kingdom has the same issue of painful childbirth

Do they? As far as I was aware, humans have a uniquely awkward childbirth due to our cranial size.

Re: The sexes don’t feel pain the same way

#18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Since that is unique to our species, Much of the animal kingdom has the same issue of painful childbirth. What you mean by "handle", I can only guess. Perhaps something about recovery and a desire repeat.

Do you even science bro? Child birth is unique to humans. Animals lay eggs, like dinosaurs and Easter rabbits.

I sincerely hope this was an attempt at a joke.

Re: The sexes don’t feel pain the same way

#19
post #13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

So your mom can anticipate you needing sunglasses and brings them for you, but you can't bring them for yourself?

That’s what moms are for ;)

Catering to their child's need to be INFAMOUS for needing sunglasses because they can't be bothered to bring their own?

I think his infamy problem would go away quite fast if he/she was able to bring their own sunglasses. :)

Re: The sexes don’t feel pain the same way

#20

The obvious theory for different pain sensitivity between men and women is that women need to handle childbirth. Since that is unique to our species, animal testing probably won't be helpful there.

> Since that is unique to our species, Much of the animal kingdom has the same issue of painful childbirth. What you mean by "handle", I can only guess. Perhaps something about recovery and a desire repeat.

Probably referring to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obstetrical_dilemma
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