‘I wish I was not a Woman’: The Pain of Women within the Reproductive Age in Ghana

Abstract

Pain is a universal phenomenon experienced by all and it is the most common reason why people seek health care. Women within the reproductive age continue to experience excruciating menstrual pain and labour pain. Due to the subjective and abstract nature of pain, qualitative research was conducted to gain an in-depth insight into the menstrual and labour pain experiences of women. Therefore, this presentation discusses the research approach employed and the key findings of menstrual and labour pain experiences of women such as pain characteristics, pain effects and management approaches within the Ghanaian clinical context. Specific socio-cultural considerations such as misconceptions and religiosity are discussed. It is emphasized that pain assessment is an important consideration for pain management and the woman in pain should be managed as an individual. It is important to prioritize pain management among women with menstrual and labour pain to prevent the negative effects of pain that can be detrimental to their health.