An estimated 1 in 100 women have it, according to scientists
. They did several pain tests on them, before comparing their pain thresholds to women who'd had similar births, but whom did request pain relief. The results were fascinating, to say the least.
Using various techniques to cause moderate pain, like applying heat and pressure to their arms and getting them to plunge their hands into icy water, the test results showed that the first group had higher pain thresholds than the latter, therefore proving something differed within their genetic makeup.
The lead scientist conducting the study at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Professor Geoff Woods, took a closer look at the genetic codes for both groups of women, and found that those with a higher pain threshold had a rare variant of a specific gene called KCNG4. This gene provides a code for the production of a protein that forms part of a ‘gate’, controlling the electric signal that flows along our nerve cells - usually to let us know we're in danger by experiencing pain - but in the case of these women, there was a ‘defect’ in the nerve cells sending signals to the brain.'This defect acts like a natural epidural,' explained Dr St. John Smith, senior co-author of the study.
While the results of this study may just highlight how life is unfair for many of us without this 'genetic variant', it's actually an incredibly positive step for scientists looking to 'open avenues to the development of new drugs to manage pain,' says Professor Frank Reimann, also a senior co-author of the study.
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