Global Year Against Pain in Women

Introduction IASP and its members are committed to raising global awareness of the disparity of pain recognition, treatment and research between men and women.

Why Real Women, Real Pain? IASP chose this important theme because: » While chronic pain affects a higher proportion of women than men worldwide, women are less likely to receive treatment. » Research shows that women tend to have more recurrent, severe and long-lasting pain than men. » Many pain conditions are far more prevalent in women than in men. » Women’s pain has a significant global impact, but a lack of awareness and recognition persists.

Focus Through our Real Women, Real Pain campaign from October 2007 to October 2008, we will: » Draw attention to the significant impact of chronic pain in women » Highlight the need for more effective care for women

Contributing Factors What are the causes of the disparity of pain recognition, treatment and research between men and women? » Physiological differences » Social conditioning » Cultural issues » Research bias » Lack of individual and societal awareness » Lack of awareness among health care providers

Objectives As part of this campaign, we seek to: » Increase awareness of pain conditions mainly affecting women, and help women and health care providers recognize signs and symptoms » Raise awareness of disparities between female and male pain issues » Empower women to become advocates for themselves and others by encouraging them to affirm their pain is real and seek proper treatment » Increase female-specific pain research » Encourage development of new female-specific treatment options

Resources IASP will offer a number of resources to ensure the success of the Real Women, Real Pain campaign: » Special November 2007 issue of PAIN, our official journal » Various issues of our Pain: Clinical Updates newsletter focusing on women’s pain topics » 18 fact sheets on female-specific pain issues – offered in English, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish and French » Other publications available from the IASP website

Special Issue of PAIN View the Table of Contents or access this special edition via ScienceDirect by visiting

Fact Sheets – Available on Website » Differences in Pain Between Men and Women » Endometriosis and its Association with Other Painful Conditions » Epidemiology of Pain in Women» Vulvodynia » Sex Differences in Pain – Basic Science Findings » Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) » Sex Hormones and Pain» Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) » Gender and the Brain in Pain» Sex and Gender Differences in Orofacial Pain » Pain During Pregnancy» Pain in Women in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) » Obstetric Pain» Pain in Women in Developing Countries » Dysmenorrhea: Contemporary Perspectives» Violence Against Women: Gender-based Violence » Chronic Pelvic Pain» Children with Chronic Pain: Sex and Gender Differences

Events and More Information Please join us in drawing attention to this vital issue! » Many events focusing on women’s pain are scheduled across the globe in the coming months. » Visit for a schedule of events and additional information on the campaign. » For more details on events in your area, contact your local IASP chapter. » Please keep IASP informed of any planned Global Year events or activities in your area.

About IASP IASP brings together scientists, clinicians, health care providers and policymakers to stimulate and support the study of pain, and to translate that knowledge into improved pain relief worldwide. Founded in 1973, IASP has more than 6,300 members from 108 countries and 69 local chapters. Visit for more information.

Global Year Against Pain in Women