"I requested general anaesthetic for my Hysteroscopy procedure"

As a post-menopausal woman who had recently experienced a small bleed, I was obviously very concerned and anxious.  A transvaginal scan was very quickly arranged for me and was very rapidly reported on for which I was very grateful.  Unfortunately, it revealed that I would require hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsies.   As a trained nurse who had researched hysteroscopy and patient experiences on-line, and on this site, Care Opinion, I was extremely anxious about having this without any discussion or pre-assessment.  There are very many accounts of women experiencing extreme pain, vasovagal attacks and screaming during the procedure.  I spoke to a lovely lady on the 2 week booking number and she spoke to the clinic and I was advised to come in and speak to the gynaecologist about wanting a general anaesthetic.   Prior to this, as they thought I was just going to have the hysteroscopy in the clinic, I was told to have something to eat and take 2 Paracetamol an hour before.  No thanks.  This procedure can be extremely painful for a significant number of unsuspecting women.   Fortunately, as a nurse I was not naive and had no intention of having this done without general anaesthetic.  The gynaecologist Dr Chaudery, was very kind and supportive and there was no problem referring me for a general anaesthetic at a later date.   The nurse in the clinic was also very kind and I was treated in a respectful and dignified way.

My concerns are for women who have no idea what to expect, thinking it is going to be no worse that a Pap smear.  I appreciate that some women feel little pain during the procedure and are happy to have it done in ‘The Chair’.  For many however, this can feel like a barbaric and torturous procedure.    

Please be totally honest about this procedure and the severe pain that can cause post-traumatic stress disorder as a result.   I really feel that women must openly be offered a general anaesthetic if they would prefer it.I think it is misleading to tell women to take 2 Paracetamol and then expect them to experience the painful procedure for around half an hour.

This matter has been debated in the House of Commons and The Hysteroscopy Action Group is actively trying to bring about change.  Please read the patient stories in their site and Facebook site.

I recently had this procedure with general anaesthetic and I had an excellent experience with only mild discomfort afterwards. I feel like women are being duped into having this with no decent pain relief in order to save the NHS money, time, space and staff which is not acceptable.