Women’s pain is finally being taken seriously in Victoria as the state government rolls out free access to pain relief during intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. The new regulations follow the state’s 2025 landmark inquiry into women’s pain, which found that many women are given inadequate pain relief during IUD procedures, with medical professionals typically only providing women with panadol or ibuprofen as pain relief.

Now, women undergoing an IUD insertion in Victoria will have access to Penthrox, also known as the green whistle. The Penthrox or the green whistle is an inhaled analgesic that contains methoxyflurane. Patients given the green whistle will remain awake during the procedure but given the handheld whistle to administer pain relief when required.

While some private medical clinics have offered the green whistle to patients undergoing IUD insertions, it has generally been restricted to those who live near these clinics and those who can afford the additional cost. Now, for the first time, Victorian women will be able to access adequate pain relief for IUD insertions without facing additional out-of-pocket costs.

Not every woman experiences pain during the IUD insertion but for those that do, it can be extreme. A new Monash University study has found that while almost half of Australian women only experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, one in five report “severe” pain – a level that simply seems too high for access to a common contraceptive. 

Awareness of the pain women endure during IUD and other gynaecological surgeries has risen over the past few years, with more women speaking up about their experiences of medical misogyny and gaslighting online.

However, Victoria’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain is the first official government report to provide validation for these experiences, with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan stating that “So many women have experienced their pain symptoms being dismissed. This is a small but important step - we believe you, we’ll support you and it’s free.” 

Can you access the green whistle in other Australian states?

Victoria is the only state to publicly roll out free access to the green whistle for all IUD procedures. However, private clinics may offer the green whistle in other states for an additional cost. Women may also be able to access cervical numbing injections, local anaesthetic or sedation, depending on their location and clinic. 

But now that Victoria has raised the bar, we’re hoping that it won’t take any longer for the rest of the country to take women’s pain just as seriously.