Copyright thewest
More women will get immediate pain relief while being fitted with contraceptive devices after a landmark inquiry revealed roughly half live with pain every day. The Australian-first inquiry into women's pain found medical gender bias and healthcare system barriers routinely lead to denial or dismissal of pain, misdiagnoses or delayed diagnoses. The inquiry, led by Safer Care Victoria and a panel of experts, fielded almost 12,792 survey responses. Nine out of 10 respondents reported experiencing pain lasting longer than a year and 54 per cent described living with pain every day. Another 59 per cent said pain affected their recreation and hobbies, 52 per cent their intimate relationships, and 44 per cent their work, studies and volunteering. "The results can make for difficult reading," Victoria's Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas told reporters on Sunday. Regional and rural women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, disabled women and LGBTI communities were often travelling long distances or experiencing systemic discrimination, the report said. There were "substantive reasons" why some women and girls found it difficult to access care and support for pain. "A health system built around Caucasian male biology, coupled with historically low investment in women's health research, has left many without effective pain relief or treatment," it read. "As a result, women and girls spend years searching for diagnoses and support - all while symptoms worsen and funds are drained on therapies that may or may not work." The inquiry's report was originally meant to be released in early 2025 and was finally launched by Ms Thomas and Premier Jacinta Allan on Sunday. Ms Thomas linked the delay to the "overwhelming" community response. "This is not just a challenge for the Victorian health system," she said. "This is a challenge across the nation and, indeed, around the world." In response, the Victorian government has announced a pilot of the "green whistle" inhaler for intrauterine device (IUD) insertions across 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs in the state. Methoxyflurane, sold under the brand name Penthrox, is used to provide immediate pain relief for injuries, particularly high-impact incidents on sports fields. Frankston Hospital in Melbourne's south east has been trialling the pain medication for IUD procedures since 2023. Other incoming measures include developing a "women's pain standard" and opening a specialist clinic for children and adolescents within Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital in 2026. The report made 27 recommendations in total, with the state government saying they will guide improvements in coming years.
