Dispelling depression and abortion myths

7 Apr, 2017 | Uncategorised

IUDs are the most effective contraception in Australia, being 99.8% effective in stopping unwanted pregnancies, yet uptake is low compared to the rest of the world. 

Currently only 6.3% of women are using hormonal IUDs, and the uptake of copper IUDs is even smaller.

MSI Australia’s Director of Clinical Excellence Dr Catriona Melville said “women could now choose a more cost-effective pain relief option, Penthrox, when choosing to have their IUD inserted or removed at MSI clinics.”

“We take women’s pain extremely seriously,” said Dr Melville.

“IUD insertion and removal with MSI Australia is often straightforward and minimally painful, with many reporting positive experiences.

“However, we recognise a considerable number of people feel they are unprepared for the severe pain that can occur when having the procedure, as we have heard through the multiple government inquiries into women’s pain that are occurring throughout Australia.

“We took this on board and are broadening pain management options within our clinics.

“We offer IUDs with or without sedation, but we know that the cost of the procedure with sedation can put women out of pocket and they are just not able to pay the price.

“We’re delighted to announce that from September we are now able to offer Penthrox, also known as the green whistle, to women who choose to have their IUD inserted or removed with us.

“For only $55, women and people can now opt to use Penthrox as their pain relief at our clinics throughout Australia.”

MSI Australia’s Clinical Nurse Educator Kara Manser said there have been numerous accounts of traumatic IUD insertion or removal experiences spread through word of mouth and the media, putting off many from undergoing IUD insertion. 

“Our priority is our patients. We don’t ignore or dismiss women’s pain,” said Ms Manser.

“In fact, over 908% of MSI’s workforce in Australia is women. Women should know they will be safe and informed at our clinics.

“We have been working on the education package for Penthrox within our clinics for XX months.

“This has involved x, y z.”

The ‘Green Whistle,’ is a nickname for the medicine Penthrox, which is, under supervision, a self-administered rapid short term pain relief using a hand-held inhaler device. Commonly used in sports medicine, surf lifesaving and dental surgeries. It is now being used for pain relief in IUD insertion and becoming popular in these cases at MSI Australia. 

If you feel anxious about your pain management at any time in your procedure do not shy away from asking a nurse or doctor about how the medicine can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Penthrox (“Green Whistle”)?

Penthrox (methoxyflurane) is a hand-held inhaler device, commonly known as the “Green Whistle,” used for rapid, short-term pain relief. It is typically used in acute trauma situations or for brief, painful procedures like IUD insertion in the MSI clinic setting. It is non-addictive and straightforward to administer, allowing clients to self-administer under supervision. The inhaler has an anti-anxiety effect on patients, not only does it allow you to not feel pain but eases any anxiety in your body, allowing you to fully relax during your procedure.

Read consumer medicine information

How does it work?

Penthrox consists of the medicine Methoxyflurane, which belongs to a group of anaesthetic agents and reduces pain by making the brain and spinal cord less responsive to excitement and pain.

How much does it cost?

At MSI Australia, Penthrox is available for IUD procedures for an additional $55, which is not claimable from Medicare. It is a cost-effective alternative to IV sedation.

Do I have to decide whether to use Penthrox when making a booking?

You don’t need to decide this when making a booking, but if you choose to use Penthrox, you cannot drive yourself home. Please arrange alternative transportation, such as taxi, rideshare or public transport alone.

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The focus of today’s World Health Day is depression; a major health issue across the globe and one that affects more than 300 million people worldwide.

While it is widely accepted that there is a strong link between reproductive health and women’s mental health, the nature of this link is something that is often masked or distorted, particularly when it comes to women seeking an abortion.

Warnings of depression as a result of abortion are the basis behind laws in nine U.S states mandating that women must first sit through counselling sessions detailing supposed side effects such as suicide, sexual dysfunction, flashbacks and substance abuse. There is no scientific basis to these claims, but nevertheless, women must endure them if they are to have a chance of an abortion.

Late last year a study in JAMA Psychiatry debunked the theory that abortion causes depression. Rather, the study found that a lack of access to abortion services is more likely to cause depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

Yet still the anti-choice rhetoric persists that women who seek an abortion are risking their mental health. In March, anti-choice activists published results of a poll stating that 49% of New Zealanders believe women who have abortions risk harm to their mental health. What this poll and much of the anti-choice argument fails to take into account is the most important factor, the woman.

Women seek abortions for a number of reasons; reasons that are relevant to her and those people she decides to include in her decision. Placing judgement on her and forcing false and misleading claims about psychological impacts are both dangerous and lack compassion.

As we reflect on World Health Day, let’s stop placing dangerous barriers in the way of what is ultimately a personal health issue for women.

Michelle Thompson is CEO of MSI Australia.

http://www.who.int/