The Australian-first Victorian Women's Pain Standard, announced on Sunday, will be embedded across the state's public health services and aims to give women more consistent and higher-quality care.
It follows an inquiry into women's pain in November where medical gender bias and healthcare system barriers were laid bare, which was leading to denial or dismissal of pain, misdiagnoses or delayed diagnoses.
"A health system built around Caucasian male biology, coupled with historically low investment in women's health research, has left many without effective pain relief or treatment," the inquiry's report said.
The state government flagged it would develop a pain standard for women after the inquiry, which has now been created alongside clinicians, experts and women.
The standard is guided by four principles, including that women are taken seriously and believed when discussing pain, they are supported to ask questions or express concerns, respected as partners in decisions about their body, and given choices and practical support to manage pain safely.
"Women must be heard, believed and treated with respect when seeking care. It's as simple as that," Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said.
As part of the inquiry, 12,792 survey responses were taken which found nine in 10 women reported experiencing pain lasting longer than a year and 54 per cent described living with pain every day.
Another 59 per cent said pain affected their recreation and hobbies, 52 per cent their intimate relationships, and 44 per cent their work, studies and volunteering.
The report found regional and rural, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and disabled women, along with LGBTQI+ communities, were often travelling long distances or experiencing systemic discrimination.
