Experiencing pain is an accepted part of life as a woman. From the cramping associated with a woman's monthly cycle to the intensity of childbirth, many women are brought up to expect feeling pain. Hearing such statements from "Dr. Mom" or friends as "You're a woman, and that's just how it is."
Unfortunately this expectation contributes to many women suppressing abnormal pain and avoiding medical attention. A survey conducted by our group revealed that many women wait until their pain reaches a level of seven, some even waiting until the pain reaches a nine.
With modern advances in gynecological medicine, much of this pain is unnecessary, and can be relieved. Additionally, abnormal levels of pain can be an indicator of a more serious condition which could be treated with the expertise of a specialized OB/GYN. Explore the pain scale provided below.
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Level 1
Very minor annoyance - occasional minor twinges.
No medication needed. -
Level 2
Minor annoyance - occasional strong twinges.
No medication needed. -
Level 3
Annoying enough to be distracting.
Mild painkillers are effective. (Aspirin, Ibuprofen.) -
Level 4
Can be ignored if you are really involved in your work, but still distracting.
Mild painkillers relieve pain for 3-4 hours. -
Level 5
Can't be ignored for more than 30 minutes.
Mild painkillers reduce pain for 3-4 hours. -
Level 6
Can't be ignored for any length of time, but you can still go to work and participate in social activities.
Stronger painkillers (Codeine, Vicodin) reduce pain for 3-4 hours. -
Level 7
Makes it difficult to concentrate, interferes with sleep You can still function with effort.
Stronger painkillers are only partially effective. Strongest painkillers relieve pain (Oxycontin, Morphine) -
Level 8
Physical activity severely limited. You can read and converse with effort. Nausea and dizziness set in as factors of pain.
Stronger painkillers are minimally effective. Strongest painkillers reduce pain for 3-4 hours. -
Level 9
Unable to speak. Crying out or moaning uncontrollably - near delirium.
Strongest painkillers are only partially effective. -
Level 10
Unconscious. Pain makes you pass out.
Strongest painkillers are only partially effective.
Hover your mouse pointer over a number above for information about symptoms associated with each level.
Every woman has a different experience of pain, however anything over the 4-6 level may be an indicator that additional help should be sought. You know your body, if you feel frequent pain, or more pain than you think is normal, you should seek help. The sooner a condition is diagnosed, the sooner you can live a more healthy, pain free life.