For years, people have debated what constitutes the most unbearable pain—whether it’s childbirth for women or a kick to the groin for men. However, recent research suggests that another condition may surpass both: kidney stones.
Many mothers claim that one particular birth experience was their most painful, while some men argue that kidney stones are far worse than a groin injury. A study led by researchers, including Saiful Miah and Bo Parys, surveyed 36 men and 23 women, finding no significant difference in pain levels between genders.
Among male participants, 88.9% identified kidney stones as their worst pain, while 78.2% of women agreed. Emergency medicine expert Professor Troy Madsen supports these findings, stating that kidney stone patients often experience the most extreme pain seen in ER settings. Given these insights, kidney stones may very well be the most excruciating natural pain a person can endure.
