A new national study reveals that although nearly half of Australian women experience minimal discomfort during IUD insertion, one in five report severe pain.
The research – published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology – and led by Monash University, also links higher pain levels to mental health, misinformation, and limited access to tailored pain relief – factors experts say may be discouraging women from using one of the most effective forms of contraception.
Image: Image: Unsplash/ Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition
Produced By: Mary-Kate Hannagan
Featured In Story: Professor Danielle Mazza – Director of SPHERE & Head of Monash University’s Department of General Practice
First aired on The Wire, Monday 20 April 2026