Green Whistle rolled out in Women’s Health Hubs

THE state government’s promise to roll out fast-acting pain management medication Penthrox, aka the Green Whistle, to all Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hubs around Victoria appears to have been kept.

The pledge was made following the release of Victoria’s Inquiry into Women’s Pain report (November 2025), where 90 per cent of respondents said they had experienced pain lasting longer than a year and 54 per cent described living with pain constantly.

Locally, so far this year more than 50 clients of Bendigo Community Health Services’ (BCHS) sexual and reproductive health hub have taken up the Penthrox option while obtaining a long-acting contraceptive.

The hub’s senior leader Kathlyn Crisp welcomed the fact that the medication is now readily available.

“We are committed to taking women’s pain seriously and we want women to have a positive experience when they come into the hub – that’s why we’ve been offering Penthrox as a pain relief option during IUDs,” she said.

“We’ve also noticed that clients are being proactive and are asking about the green whistle during their consultations.

“Clinical staff do offer it to every client regardless, but the surge in social media and education has meant that clients are feeling empowered to ask the question.”

BCHS nurse Sybilla Marchingo said offering a variety of pain relief options is necessary, as everyone tolerates pain differently.

“Penthrox provides a strong form of pain relief by relieving anxiety and relaxing muscles, but we have a myriad (of) ways that we try and distract and help with pain, from Penthrox all the way down to lollipops and stress balls,” she said.

“Everything we offer is to make sure people have as comfortable experience with us as possible.”

To book an appointment at the hub, which is located at 165-171 Hargreaves Street, call (03) 5406 1200.