Victoria adopts a comprehensive Women’s Pain Standard
In a landmark move, the Victorian government is introducing a Women’s Pain Standard intended to improve the experience of care for women during painful medical procedures. The standard, which targets common but often poorly managed sources of pain, aims to set consistent expectations for pain assessment, timely relief, and clear communication between clinicians and patients. Central to the standard is a more proactive approach to analgesia, ensuring women receive appropriate pain relief as part of routine care rather than as an afterthought.
The Green Whistle analgesic: a key part of pain relief options
One notable feature of the new standard is the use of the “green whistle” analgesic during painful contraception procedures. The green whistle is an inhaled analgesic, often used to provide rapid, short-term pain relief. By offering this option, authorities hope to reduce distress during insertion or adjustment of contraceptive devices that patients report as particularly uncomfortable. The policy emphasizes patient consent, education about the analgesic options, and monitoring for any adverse effects.
What this means for patients
For patients, the standard promises more predictable pain management pathways. Women can expect to be asked about pain levels before, during, and after procedures, and clinicians should have ready access to a range of non-opioid and opioid options as appropriate. The initiative aligns with broader public health goals to improve maternal and reproductive health experiences, reduce trauma associated with medical procedures, and encourage informed decision-making about contraception without the fear of excessive pain.
New clinic focus: endometriosis care
Alongside pain management during contraception, the government announced plans to open a new clinic dedicated to endometriosis, a condition that affects an estimated one in ten women of reproductive age. The clinic is expected to provide multidisciplinary care, including gynecology, pain management, physiotherapy, and educational resources for patients. Early plans suggest a patient-centred model that prioritizes early diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and access to surgical and non-surgical therapies as needed. This clinic aims to reduce delays in diagnosis and improve quality of life for those living with endometriosis.
Why endometriosis deserves dedicated care
Endometriosis often presents with chronic pelvic pain, heavy or irregular bleeding, and fertility challenges. A dedicated clinic can facilitate coordinated care, reduce the burden on primary care, and ensure that women receive consistent information about treatment options. By combining pain management strategies with patient education and psychosocial support, the clinic seeks to address the full scope of the condition and its impact on daily life.
Implementation and monitoring
The government indicates that the Women’s Pain Standard will be rolled out across public health facilities with clinician training, standardized pain assessment tools, and auditing mechanisms to track outcomes. Hospitals and clinics will be encouraged to adopt flexible pain relief protocols, grounded in evidence and patient feedback. Regular reporting on analgesia use, patient satisfaction, and procedure-related pain outcomes will help refine the standard over time.
What patients should know
Patients considering contraceptive procedures or seeking care for suspected endometriosis should feel empowered to ask about pain relief options, including the green whistle, and to request information about pain management plans. Healthcare providers are urged to discuss benefits and risks, ensure informed consent, and document pain scores to tailor treatment effectively. The overarching aim is a safer, more compassionate care experience where pain is acknowledged and managed as a standard part of medical care.
