Hysteroscopy

My DD had this sprung on her at an appointment last week, she said it was horrible. She had to travel abroad the next day and it did not make for a pleasant journey.

I was very fortunate that I was given a choice,and that I opted for GA,the results led to a total hysterectomy due to large fibroids,I was treated and recovered well,this was almost 30 years ago at the age of 40.

I can imagine the discomfort and distress the hysteroscopy must cause for the women that gave the procedure unsedated.

I am so sorry to read the comments on here from the ladies involved. It makes me sad and reminds me of a barbaric procedure I had to endure many years ago following a hysterectomy and at the Christie Hospital.
Things really should be different now.

I'm also still shocked by my recent (second) hysteroscopy within 6 months. Both procedures were incredibly painful, I bled both times and am still bleeding from the last one 3 weeks later. The first hysteroscopy (carried out by a woman doctor) involved an attempted removal then biopsy of a growth that subsequently proved to be benign. I asked if removal was necessary but a second appointment was made, and I hadn't the courage to say no. I felt anxious in the days before and dreaded the appointment. Two male doctors (one a 'learner') carried out the second. They were discussing what they were doing while I was trying desperately to not writhe about. I was told to wriggle my toes as a distraction. I believe I was in shock for several days after. I'm glad to see this thread, I have not been able to tell anyone how awful I have felt.

I am clinically vulnerable so was told that a general anaesthetic should be avoided.

I've had two hysteroscopies, both done under general anaesthetic, one privately and one NHS. I have a woman gynaecologist and she never even discussed the possibility of not having a GA.

A biopsy is usually taken, and sometimes removal of polyps and smaller fibroids - it's not just a quick look around with a camera.

I think it's awful that some women are made to suffer.

JaneJudge, oh, I see - well, here's hoping I never get any symptoms then. Maybe there's a lot of women out there just putting up with things, rather than risking tests. I do agree that men wouldn't be expected to endure anything like it.

Hetty58

I'd have to demand a general anaesthetic if I needed anything like that - or I simply wouldn't be able to face having it done. I wonder if an MRI scan would be an alternative? I'd rather pay for something less invasive.

they usually have to take biopsies of the womb lining and any other stuff they find in there (polyps/fibroids etc)

I don't even have smear tests since my experience, really.

I have had perhaps, four or five, but this is since the 80s.

I'd have to demand a general anaesthetic if I needed anything like that - or I simply wouldn't be able to face having it done. I wonder if an MRI scan would be an alternative? I'd rather pay for something less invasive.

Can I just say, as women we mustn't minimise other women's feelings or pain just because things were ok for ourselves

Hear hear JaneJudge

It is fairly common to experience severe pain with a hysteroscopy. I think women are expected to put up with pain far more than men which is not right. Sedation should be offered routinely.

I must have been lucky as I had it done as day surgery under a general anaesthetic following which I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer. I then went into hospital for a full hysterectomy within a fortnight of diagnosis.

I don't think it is explained properly beforehand, it is dressed up as a procedure and I don't think people expect it be in a surgical theatre with so many health professionals. I have wondered how you ask for it to stopped too because once it is underway you are sort of held hostage legs akimbo for well over an hour in most cases.

Can I just say, as women we mustn't minimise other women's feelings or pain just because things were ok for ourselves.

I've had three hysteroscopies and can't fault the way I was treated. The doctor explained everything clearly. There was one nurse looking after me & another assisting the doctor.

How awful to treat women to this without an anesthetic. It is not respectful to subject women to this level of pain. Men wouldn’t stand being treated like this if it were them.

Maybe I didn’t have the same treatment, hysteroscoscopy, but to clean my womb, I have had it done at least twice, a general anesthetic was given when my ? was inflated. I had a night stay in hospital. It was many years ago and I am not in the UK.

I had the same awful experience. I passed out twice, my blood pressure dropped through the floor and I was unable to speak to tell him to stop. I suffered pain and blood loss for months afterwards.. I later found out I should never have been considered a candidate to have this procedure done as an outpatient, without pain relief or sedation.

It will be a cold day in hell before I trust a gynaecologist again.

I'm a terrible coward about these sorts of things, and I'm sure it's due to having had laser treatment years ago.
I stupidly believed to blurb that said if the pain level was unacceptable then they would stop.

I had this done a few years ago... excruciating and frightening... I am nobodys woose but this was utterly horrendous.. no pain relief/ sedation offered.
Absolutely no way will this be happening again without general anesthetic..brutal!
And no... men would NOT be treated this way!

Be me?
Oh...

I don't think it should be me necessary to have to put up with pain, when something can be done to ease it.

sorry Sparklefizz what am I like????

Spsrklefizz Glad you noticed
Blame preemptive text for the mistake. However, I emphasise that not every hysteroscoscopy is traumatic and I have never been treated like a piece of meat. Not even when I had an hysterectomy, with a general anesthetic of course.

Aldom I had an hysterectomy a few years ago. Also without sedation. No problem

You surely don't mean a "hysterectomy" but a "hysteroscopy".

I have had 2 hysteroscopies years ago and was given sedation both times. It's a shocking disgrace to be offered nothing at all.

It's the same lack of care when having a contraceptive coil fitted. I passed out and when I came round, they had removed the coil so I'd gone through all that for nothing.

Women are treated like pieces of meat. Men would not put up with it.

I had an hysterectomy a few years ago. Also without sedation. No problem whatsoever. A little discomfort during the procedure but no pain. I watched everything on the screen beside me, finding it very interesting. The consultant, her registrar and the nurse were wonderfully kind and efficient. They explained what had caused my problem and put my mind at rest. I wouldn't hesitate to undergo this procedure again, should it be necessary. I think the bad experience quoted is the exception rather than the rule.