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Green Whistle and IUD insertions

IUDs (intrauterine devices) are an increasingly popular method of contraception for many people – they are extremely effective at preventing pregnancy. They are small, T-shaped devices inserted into your uterus, with a fine nylon thread attached. There are hormonal and non-hormonal types of IUDs. IUDs must be inserted by a specially trained doctor or nurse. 

IUD insertion 

When you are having an IUD inserted, the painful part happens when the IUD is passed through the cervix into your uterus. This pain typically lasts for around 10-30 seconds. The amount of pain can vary from person to person, and is influenced by things like the position and angle of your cervix. Sometimes it’s less painful for people who have given vaginal birth. Different clinics offer different types of pain relief for IUD insertions, such as over the counter pain relief tablets, local anesthetic spray or full sedation. 

Diagram of a uterus with an IUD

About the green whistle 

A medication called ‘Penthrox’ (or the ‘green whistle’) is a form pain relief that is offered by some IUD clinics around Victoria. The green whistle is commonly given by paramedics, or in emergency departments when patients are in acute pain caused by things like fracture, burns, or large wounds. It contains a medication called methoxyflurane, which is vaporised in a green inhaler.  

Photo of a green whistle

To take the medication, you put the ‘green whistle’ in your mouth and are in control of how many times you breathe in. You typically take breaths for the 10 – 30 seconds that there is pain, then stop using it. Some of the side effects may include drowsiness, cough, dizziness, headache, nausea, and confusion. Side effects wear off in about 30 minutes. 

Green whistle and IUD insertions 

Studies in the UK and Europe have shown how easy and effective the green whistle is to use.  Feedback from IUD patients using the green whistle has also been positive, with most saying they would repeat the procedure when they are next due to change their IUD.  

Despite IUDs being extremely safe and reliable (over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy), only a small percentage of Australians actually use them (for example, only 6.3% of Australian women use hormonal IUDs 1). This means that people may be at risk of unwanted pregnancy, if they are reliant on other, less effective means of contraception. While there is growing awareness of contraceptive methods such as IUDs, there is also growing awareness of how uncomfortable IUD insertion procedures can be – which may discourage people from utilising them (for example, see ABC News 2022). 

The green whistle adds to the available pain relief options for anyone interested in an IUD. 

If you are interested in finding services that provide IUD insertions with different pain relief options, contact 1800 My Options (1800 696 784, weekdays 9am – 5pm) or online.  

 

  1. Grzeskowiak LE, Calabretto H, Amos N, Mazza D, Ilomaki J. Changes in use of hormonal long-acting reversible contraceptive methods in Australia between 2006 and 2018: A population-based study. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2021;61(1):128–34. doi: 10.1111/ajo.13257. 

 

Are Abortions Traumatising?

There are many myths in relation to how abortion can impact someone’s mental health. One persistent myth is that having an abortion is something that will harm the pregnant person mentally, and cause them trauma.

In relation to abortion and mental health, The American Psychological Society has concluded that:  

“Large longitudinal and international studies have found that obtaining a wanted abortion does not increase risk for depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.”

This research was predominantly based on a ground-breaking longitudinal study with abortion seekers, known as ‘The Turnaway Study.’ In short, the findings reflected the reality that for most women, an abortion is not inherently traumatic, nor does it cause ongoing mental health crises. In fact, it reflected that the opposite is true – that the mental health of abortion seekers who were denied an abortion is most negatively affected.

Women and pregnant people often report a variety of mixed feelings after an abortion, including relief as a dominant emotion. However, this does not mean that everyone experiences abortion in the same way, nor does it mean that everyone experiences exactly the same emotions or trajectories post-abortion. Some abortion-seekers report challenging feelings post-abortion in relation to their individual circumstances.

Personal, familial, cultural and social factors will all impact on an individual’s decisions regarding abortion. It may be helpful to explore this with a non-judgmental friend, family member, community member or counsellor. It is extremely important that people can exercise their autonomy and are free from coercion in relation to this decision. The best mental health outcomes are seen in people who receive the support they need, to make a decision in a timely, autonomous manner. 

You can find some accredited non-directive pregnancy options counsellors by contacting 1800 My Options or searching online. 

The Abortion Project offers some post-abortion peer-support groups in some states of Australia.

The Royal Women’s Hospital and Children By Choice have some great activities to help you explore your pregnancy options in relation to an unintended, unwanted, or unplanned pregnancy: