Hysteroscopy referral

Dear Yoko,

Thank you for getting in touch with Macmillan Cancer Support and the Online Community. My name is Gillian and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.

I am sorry to hear about your ongoing gynaecological symptoms, what you’re experiencing sounds incredibly distressing, and it’s completely understandable that you feel anxious about both the bleeding and the procedures being suggested.

Firstly, I want to reassure you that irregular bleeding and the presence of a polyp do not automatically mean cancer. Polyps are very often benign, although they still need assessment because they can cause prolonged or unpredictable bleeding.

Given your past experiences, anything involving intimate examinations can feel threatening and traumatising. This is valid, and your emotional wellbeing should be taken seriously by your healthcare team.

You may wish to ask your GP whether a rapid referral into a service offering hysteroscopy under general anaesthetic (GA) is possible, given the impact of your ongoing symptoms and your difficulties with outpatient procedures due to your trauma history.

Many NHS trusts offer hysteroscopy under sedation or GA for people with a trauma history, severe anxiety, or pain sensitivity. You are not unusual in needing this, though it sometimes requires a different referral pathway.

While you wait, your GP can still help with managing the heavy bleeding there are medications that may help reduce or stabilise it and they can also discuss emotional support options if this would be helpful.

I hope this information is helpful. You can always call one of our nurses directly if you want to talk over your concerns or require any further support.

Best wishes 

Gillian,

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

Ref Lrob/GG