Hysteroscopy

I have had 2 Hysteroscopies, both with a light anaesthetic, but they were over 10 years ago and nowadays I think sedation may be used instead.

I had one 2 years ago. Took paracetamol before and afterwards and found it uncomfortable but not painful.

I've had 3 over the last 6 years and had the most recent under general anaesthetic as the others were unsuccessful in that they couldn't get sufficient cells for the biopsy and were incredibly painful. The consultant at the last one said that there are red flags in her opinion. First if you have not had a vaginal birth, second if you're post menopausal, and third a ceasarian scar can make it impossible to perform the procedure without severe pain. Hope this is helpful!

Drugs all the way.
I endured this once with paracetamol.. it is barbaric... NEVER again.. unless I am knocked out..

I'm sorry to say my first one with a local was very painful not uncomfortable!! The second one was with a general anaesthetic - didn't feel a thing. If I had known I wouldn't have consented to the first one.

I’ve had three all with just a local. Quite painful but bearable. Felt a bit like childbirth contractions.

I had one with a local. Uncomfortable and some cramping but not unbearable.

I had a hysteroscopy under general anaesthetic 2 weeks ago. I had one WITHOUT anaesthetic the week before that and it wasn’t successful as I have fibroids and there was a large fibroid in the way so the doctor said a general anaesthetic was called for. I went in as a day case for the general anaesthetic, had a pre-op the week before (blood tests, blood pressure, ECG, Covid swab, perineal swab, long questionnaire by a nurse). I also had another Covid test 3 or 4 days before the op and then had to shield at home until the day. Quite a palaver, but it had to be done that way. The hysteroscopy without anaesthetic was quite painful (and the doctor couldn’t reach the area she needed to) but maybe it was painful because I’d got the fibroid(s) blocking the entrance! I had 2 paracetamols before the hysteroscopy without anaesthetic as advised. Hope all goes well with your hysteroscopy, whether you decide on anaesthetic or not.

HarlemShuffle, have you decided to have your Hysteroscopy with or without anaesthetic? I’d be interested to know. Best wishes.