Women and people can now choose the green whistle (Penthrox), a cost-effective pain relief option, when choosing to have their IUD inserted or removed at MSI clinics.
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 the new offering provided women and people a new pain relief option.
“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 are delighted to announce that we are now able to offer the green whistle to women who choose to have their IUD inserted or removed with us.”
For an additional $55, women and people can now opt to use green whistle as their pain relief at our clinics throughout Australia instead of opting for no pain relief or sedation
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 90% of MSI’s workforce in Australia is women. Women and people should know they will be safe and informed at our clinics.
“The green whistle inhaler is used to reduce pain. Having an option that is in between no pain relief at all and deep sedationhas been lacking.
“This new option will allow more people to access long-acting contraception, more comfortably and with less worry about the possibility of pain during the procedure.
“As a whole, all staff are thrilled that we can finally offer analgesia throughout this procedure and we are committed to ensuring we minimise pain and discomfort for all clients, at every part of their journey with us at MSI Australia.”
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. 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.
Read an interview with our Clinical Nurse Educator Kara Manser on the benefits of opting for the green whistle.
Q: As a clinical educator, what do you think of the introduction of the green whistle?
Manser: I am so glad that we can introduce an analgesia for women and people with a uterus, as an option when having an IUD insertion. Having an option that is in between no pain relief at all and deep sedation, has been lacking and it will now allow more people to access long-acting contraception, more comfortably and with less worry about the possibility of pain during the procedure.
Q: Will this give more women and people pain relief?
Manser: The green whistle is an inhaler used to reduce pain. It is intended to reduce the severity of pain that a person is feeling in an acute scenario, and at the recommended dose provides pain relief without producing anaesthesia. It will certainly offer the ability for more women and people with a uterus to experience less pain during an IUD insertion.
Q: Why should women opt for the green whistle?
Manser: The green whistle is a great option for those who wish to reduce the potential discomfort or pain of having an IUD inserted, without undergoing sedation or anaesthetic. It is a very low risk analgesia that is inhaled prior to and throughout the procedure. Women and people with a uterus have been having to withstand and put up with pain during IUD insertions due to the risk and cost of having an anaesthetic. We can now offer an alternative in the ‘Green whistle’ and open the door for people to have a less painful experience – which everyone deserves.
Q: How was it doing the training with staff? How did you think it went and what feedback did you get?
Manser: The Penthrox education team was fantastic in facilitating training with our medical staff and nursing teams. Their online learning module ensures staff are educated on the correct and safe usage of the green whistle whilst being extremely easy to understand. As a whole, all staff are thrilled that we can finally offer analgesia throughout this procedure and we are committed to ensuring we minimise pain and discomfort for all clients, at every part of their journey with us at MSI Australia.
Additional information
What is the green whistle?
The green whistle is a hand-held inhaler device 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.
Consumer Medicine information.
How does it work?
The green whistle 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, the green whistle 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 the green whistle 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 and need to plan your route mindfully. Please arrange alternative transportation, such as taxi, rideshare or public transport alone.