Experts gather to explore the gender divide in chronic pain, shedding light on critical differences and advancing the conversation on effective treatment.

The University of Galway, in collaboration with Chronic Pain Ireland, the Centre for Pain Research, and the PPI Ignite Network, hosted a national event- titled “Exploring Sex and Gender in Chronic Pain” on October 11, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 PM. The event took place at the Human Biology Building on the University campus as part of the National Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Festival. This event was also be streamed online, making it accessible to participants worldwide.

Chronic pain affects over 150 Million people throughout Europe and can persist for months or years, often with significant variations between men and women. The event, moderated by TV presenter and author Andrea Hayes, aims to shed light on the critical role sex and gender play in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic pain.

This event was an essential platform for healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, patient advocacy groups, patients and the general public. It informed and challenged how chronic pain is viewed across genders and aimed to influence both healthcare and policy.

Dr. Michelle Roche, President of the Irish Pain Society, Associate Professor in Physiology, Co-Director of the Centre for Pain Research and Director of the Galway Neuroscience Centre at the University of Galway, presented findings from the PAINDIFF Network. This network focuses on understanding current approaches and developing guidelines for the study of sex and gender differences in pain research. She said: “Implementing guidelines and recommendations for studying sex and gender differences in pain research will ensure that research findings are robust and translatable, ultimately leading to better pain management strategies for all people living with chronic pain”.

 Prof. Brian McGuire, Clinical Psychologist and Co-Director Centre of Pain Research, University of Galway, provided insights into the wider implications. He said:
“Recognising sex and gender differences in chronic pain is essential to developing more personalised treatments. Our goal is to translate this understanding into better outcomes for patients.”

The event also featured Ms. Martina Phelan, Chairperson of Chronic Pain Ireland, emphasised the importance of the patient voice in shaping healthcare. She said: “Lived experiences must be at the heart of research. By including patients in the conversation, we ensure that the solutions developed genuinely address the realities of chronic pain.”

Key Topics at the event included:

  • Research findings on sex and gender in pain (Dr. Michelle Roche)
  • Gender differences in pain management (Prof. Brian McGuire)
  • Real-world clinical experiences of treating gender-based pain (Dr. Rosemary Keane, Mater Hospital)
  • The patient’s voice in research (Martina Phelan, Chronic Pain Ireland)
  • Incorporating research into health policy (Dr David Moore, Beaumont Hospital)

This event was an essential platform for healthcare professionals, academics, researchers, patient advocacy groups, patients and the general public. It not only informed but challenged how we view chronic pain across genders, aiming to influence both healthcare and policy.