September 26, 2002 A STRONG cup of coffee improves a woman’s ability to withstand pain, researchers have found.

Researchers at London’s Goldsmiths College asked men and women volunteers to put their hands in a bucket of ice water, with males generally able to withstand pain for longer.

But when given a 250mg dose of caffeine – the equivalent of a double espresso – women were able to withstand pain for longer. There was no effect on men.

Researchers said the effect may not last long, but a quick double espresso would probably make something like leg waxing more bearable.