Mental Health and Knowledge Impact Pain Levels
Monash University’s SPHERE Centre of Research Excellence, in collaboration with Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, has published a study in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The study reveals factors contributing to IUD insertion pain among Australian women. Nearly 50% of these women reported minimal discomfort, while 19% experienced severe pain during the procedure.
The research analysed data from 347 women who participated in the 2024 Australian National Women’s Health Survey. Pain levels during IUD insertion varied significantly, with about 30% reporting moderate pain.
Factors influencing pain levels include mental health conditions, previous pregnancy history, and self-perceived knowledge about IUDs. Women with mental health conditions that impact daily activities reported significantly higher pain levels.
Interestingly, the study found that women with higher self-perceived knowledge of IUDs reported more pain. This may be due to exposure to negative information or fear-inducing anecdotes on social media and online platforms.
Women who have been pregnant more than once reported higher pain levels compared to those who have never been pregnant. This highlights the role of pregnancy history in pain perception.
Professor Danielle Mazza AM, Director of SPHERE and Head of Monash University’s Department of General Practice, stated, “These findings highlight that pain perception is a multifactorial phenomenon. It isn’t just about the physical procedure; it’s about a complex interplay of factors including a woman’s mental health, her past experiences, and the quality of information she has accessed beforehand.”
The researchers advocate for healthcare providers to implement individualized pain management strategies and address misinformation before the procedure. Improved patient experiences could enhance the discourse around long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs) and potentially increase their uptake in Australia.
Professor Mazza emphasised the need for educational initiatives, stating, “Educational initiatives must provide accurate, evidence-based, and balanced messaging. Ensuring women feel supported and correctly informed is essential to reducing avoidable distress.”
Australia’s uptake of IUDs is lower compared to international peers, partly due to fear of insertion pain. However, IUDs are more than 99% effective at preventing pregnancy, making them a highly reliable form of contraception. The study suggests that by improving the patient experience, Australia could see a more positive discourse around LARCs and a potential increase in uptake.
Last updated: 20 April 2026, 10:04 am
