The pain most often compared to childbirth for a man is the pain associated with kidney stones.
Why Kidney Stones?
While it's impossible for a man to experience the exact pain of childbirth, the intense, cramping pain caused by kidney stones is frequently cited as a comparable experience. Here's why:
- Blockage and Pressure: According to a 2017 article, kidney stones block the flow of urine from the kidney. When urine gets backed up, it can create waves of pain and cramping in a similar effect to labor contractions.
- Wave-like Pain: Like labor, the pain from kidney stones often comes in waves, intensifying and then subsiding, making it feel relentless.
- Intensity: Kidney stone pain can be excruciating, often requiring strong pain medication. This intensity is similar to the pain reported during childbirth.
Kidney Stones: Not Just an Older Man's Problem
The 2017 article also notes a common myth about kidney stones: that only older men get them. This is not true; kidney stones can affect people of all ages and genders.
Comparing the Pain
| Feature | Childbirth Pain | Kidney Stone Pain |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Uterine contractions, cervical dilation | Blockage of urine flow by kidney stone |
| Type of Pain | Cramping, intense pressure | Sharp, cramping, wave-like |
| Location | Lower abdomen, back | Side, back, groin |
| Intensity | Very high | Very high |
| Duration | Hours | Hours or days until the stone passes or removed |
| Pain Pattern | Regular contractions that increase in intensity | Irregular waves of intense pain |
