Bendigo Community Health Services has welcomed the Victorian Department of Health’s Bridging the Gender Pain Gap report following its inquiry into women’s pain.
BCHS encouraged women in Bendigo to share their own stories via the inquiry, having had a long-term front-row seat to the challenges locals have faced to have their pain taken seriously.
The report highlighted medical gender bias and barriers in the healthcare system, which routinely led to denial or dismissal of pain, misdiagnoses, delayed diagnoses, and lack of pain relief and treatment for many women.
BCHS Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub Clinical Lead Dr Karishma Kaur (pictured top right with nurse Mary-Anne) said the report confirmed what the hub already knew.
“The report shows that there is a huge amount of medical misogyny,” Dr Kaur said.
“For years we’ve been hearing the stories ourselves.”
Dr Kaur said she was pleased to see the report included practical recommendations to improve models of care and service delivery for Victorian girls and women experiencing pain.
She said BCHS had already adopted some of those identified recommendations, such as use of the pain relief Penthrox during Intrauterine Device insertions; a procedure women opt for to use long-acting reversable contraceptives, to alleviate painful, heavy periods or conditions such as endometriosis.
“It was great to see the inquiry lead to Premier Jacinta Allan announce that Penthrox — or the green whistle — would be offered at Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs that offer IUDs,” Dr Kaur said.
“We’ve been offering Penthrox for a year already as part of our commitment to taking women’s pain seriously, with wonderful results for our clients.”
Out of the 345 clients who opted for an IUD insertion at the clinic over the 2024-25 financial year, 190 also chose to use Penthrox.
BCHS nurse Sybilla Marchingo (pictured on left with nurse Eliza) said it was reassuring for her clients to have the option of using Penthrox.
“Some people tolerate an IUD insertion perfectly fine with minimal discomfort whereas other people really need extra pain relief to get them through,” Sybilla said.
“Penthrox provides a strong form of pain relief by relieving anxiety and relaxing muscles, but we have a myriad ways that we try and distract and help with pain, from Penthrox all the way down to lollipops and stress balls.
“We do everything we can to try and make sure that people have a nice experience with us.
“We are informing people and educating them about their pain relief choices and letting them know that Penthrox is available if and when they’d like to use it throughout the procedure.”
Feedback from one client summed up the value of placing pain relief high on BCHS’ priorities; “I don’t think I would have coped without it,” the client said. “I am extremely grateful that this was an option. I would not have had an IUD if this kind of relief wasn’t available … I felt well supported and informed before receiving it and it helped immensely.”
The hub is also home to the region’s Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic, which is helping shorten the diagnosis time for women with endometriosis, and support them with long-term management of the pain associated with the condition.
“We want women to know that when they walk into this clinic, they come here to be listened to, to learn and make decisions for themselves about their treatment options,” Dr Kaur said.
“We are saying to women, you don’t have to live with pain, and we are here to help. Our hope is that this State Government report will lead to women across Victoria receiving the same care and understanding.”
ABOVE: The Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic team.
More news from the SRH Hub – which has been shortlisted for a Victorian Public Healthcare Award.
