Women accessing IUD procedures through Victoria’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs will now be offered the green whistle, known medically as Penthrox, as part of a statewide rollout aimed at improving pain management during insertions and removals.
The initiative has been introduced across all 20 hubs following recommendations from Victoria’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain, which examined the experiences of women navigating the healthcare system and raised concerns about pain management during reproductive health procedures.
The inquiry found many women reported severe pain during IUD insertions, despite being advised to expect only mild discomfort or cramping. It also highlighted concerns that some procedures were carried out without adequate pain relief options being discussed or made available beforehand.
The Allan Government said the rollout is intended to give women greater choice and control over their healthcare, particularly during procedures that can cause anxiety or distress.
More than 11,000 women and girls used the free or low cost services provided through the hubs network last year, according to government figures. Nearly 40 per cent of patients were concession card holders, with regional communities accounting for a large share of users.
The hubs provide services including contraception, medical abortion, referrals for surgical abortion, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, and broader reproductive health support.
Premier Jacinta Allan said the findings of the inquiry reflected experiences shared by many women across the healthcare system.
“So many women have experienced their pain symptoms being dismissed, and I’m one of them,” she said.
“This is a small but important step, we believe you, we’ll support you, and it’s free.”
Health Minister Harriet Shing said improving access to pain relief could help reduce barriers to care for women considering contraceptive procedures.
“Providing the green whistle through our Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs will prevent and ease pain, and save women and girls time and money,” she said.
Penthrox, commonly referred to as the green whistle, is an inhaled pain relief medication frequently used in emergency and trauma settings because of its fast acting properties. Its use in reproductive healthcare has drawn support from some clinicians and patient advocates who argue women’s pain has historically been underestimated in medical settings.
At the same time, some medical professionals note that pain experiences during IUD procedures vary widely between individuals and that healthcare providers may recommend different forms of pain management depending on a patient’s needs and medical history.
Further information about Victoria’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs is available through Better Health Victoria.
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