Report reveals women’s pain gap

THE submissions of thirteen thousand women and girls have shaped a State Government report on women’s pain.

The final Bridging the Gender Pain Gap report details the experiences of women and girls aged from 12 to 79 and their carers, clinicians, and peak bodies.

The inquiry found that 90 per cent of participants experienced pain that lasted more than a year, and 54 per cent had daily pain.

The most common conditions listed were menstrual and hormonal, endometriosis, and musculoskeletal problems.

While 95 per cent of respondents sought help for their pain, 71 per reported widespread dismissal by healthcare professionals and 68 percent said cost was a barrier.

As a result of the findings, the State Government will pilot the use of the green whistle for IUD insertion at all 20 sexual and reproductive health hubs in Victoria.

A women’s pain standard will be introduced across the public health system to provide women with a standard they should expect when receiving care.

It will be created in consultation with clinicians, experts and women.

“I want to thank the 13,000 Victorian women who’ve made this possible. It’s because of you that we’ll be able to create generational change to our health system,” Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said.

“The women’s pain standard and the green whistle trial will be gamechangers for Victorian women, but our work doesn’t stop here.”

A children and adolescent clinic within the Royal Children’s Hospital will open in 2026 with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and pain conditions.

A women’s pain action plan in response to the inquiry will be created over the next six months.