Challenges with embedding an integrated sex and gender perspective into pain research: Recommendations and opportunities

2023/12/23 by Edmund Keogh, Katelynn E. Boerner · 1 voice
Health Professions · Medicine · #Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Research #Obesity and Health Practices #Sex and Gender in Healthcare

paper · doi:10.1016/j.bbi.2023.12.027

openalex publication_date 2023/12/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22

Abstract

The focus of this article, within this BBI horizons special issue, is on sex, gender, and pain. We summarise what is currently known about sex- and gender-related variations in pain, exploring intersectional biological and psychosocial mechanisms, and highlight gaps in knowledge and understanding. Five key challenges with the exploration of sex and gender in pain research are presented, relating to: conceptual imprecision, research bias, limitations with binary descriptions, integrating sex and gender, and timely adoption/implementation of good research practice. Guidance on how to overcome such challenges is provided. Despite clear evidence for sex and gender differences in pain, there are conceptual and methodological barriers to overcome. Innovation in methods and approach can help develop more effective and tailored treatment approaches for men, women, boys, girls, and gender-diverse people.

Citations

• Sex differences in immune responses
• Persons with chronic widespread pain experience excess mortality: longitudinal results from UK Biobank and meta-analysis
• The Biological Contributions to Gender Identity and Gender Diversity: Bringing Data to the Table
• Inclusion of females does not increase variability in rodent research studies
• The development and use of facial grimace scales for pain measurement in animals
• The revised International Association for the Study of Pain definition of pain: concepts, challenges, and compromises
• The future of sex and gender in psychology: Five challenges to the gender binary.

Discussions

• New article with @katelynnboerner.bsky.social. We outline five challenges with embedding an integrated sex and gender approach into pain research. And make some recommendations. Open access via the li [bsky, 0 points, 0 comments]