Hysteroscopy Pain Relief

Hi Jules65, interesting topic! I’m curious though - if you felt no pain or discomfort, why was the hysteroscopy stopped? 
I took OTC pain relief before mine, and was prepared to tolerate some discomfort or pain, but it became extreme when he was trying to push the camera through my cervix (common with post menopausal women as the cervix tends to stenose) and he wasn’t willing to continue as it could have damaged me and could also cause me trauma, and might even cause me to faint. So I had mine under GA a few weeks later and it was a breeze. 

Personally I don’t think I’d have taken prescribed very strong painkillers even if they’d been offered. I don’t like taking strong meds anyway unless absolutely necessary plus I also can’t generally tolerate NSAIDS - and Mefanamic acid looks very strong, with possible gastric side effects. I also think that pain can be a good guide as to whether or not we should be doing something, and should sometimes be listened to rather than blunted.

I would like to see all post menopausal women offered hysteroscopy under GA as a first port of call without having to wait further. I was told this was an option for me, but that I’d still have to come to the hospital to talk to the consultant, and that it would then be a few weeks later, I was anxious to get it done quickly, so I agreed to try it without GA but that didn’t work. I know some women only experience a little discomfort and maybe a little pain that feels like period pain, but mine was way more than that and even though I was willing for him to keep trying, just to get it done, he was adamant about stopping. In retrospect I wish I’d opted for a GA first. 

I had biopsies taken by a consultant immediately after my transvaginal scan. I don't think the procedure was as invasive as a hysteroscopy but  the consultant did apply some lidocaine gel to minimise my discomfort. That was my only pain relief. I also had mild cramps whilst she was taking the biopsies. It was a little uncomfortable but didn't take too long

HI MarmiteFan59,

The hysteroscopy was stopped as the doctor felt that there was too much to be removed in one appointment.  I was offered the option of multiple visits or having it done under GA, which at that time I opted to do.  This was never done as in the interim it was found I needed hysterectomy.  Although I could feel when the doctor said he was inserting instruments I had no pain.  Despite my age I had not been through menopause, so not sure if this would make a difference.  Your experience of it sounds awful and once again I find myself having to check what a term means. 

The only other person I actually know that had one described it as extremely unpleasant and was told to take paracetamol afterwards and struggled for a couple of days with bad cramping.

It is also scary to consider going under GA if you have never had it before.  I was reluctant initially but opted for this as I understood that although first hysteroscopy was event free, it did not follow that subsequent procedures would be the same.

Just want to ensure that we are all aware there are options to prevent / relieve the pain whether it be under GA or not.  I'm not afraid of going under GA now I have done it, but it's a big step.

Hi SH53,

I had a cervical biopsy (which came back perfectly clear) 8 weeks prior to hysteroscopy and gynaecologist applied lidocaine gel on that occasion and again I could feel something being done but no pain.  It was over in minutes.

Hi again Jules65, I take your point about the GA. I’d had a GA before for a Caesarean section and also for two carpal tunnel decompressions, plus one for a tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy when I was 4, so a GA wasn’t something I was especially worried about, especially as I think the level of sedation for a hysteroscopy is much less (as I came to within half an hour or having it done). When I had my hysterectomy I did get the odd “what if I don’t wake up after” thought but I tried to balance it with telling myself that if I did crash on the operating table I was in the best place to be resuscitated!

Hi.

I found the hysteroscopy too painful so I'm now waiting for an mri. After doing a bit of research afterwards though, I discovered that women who have never given birth tend to find the procedure painful and uncomfortable, as well as postmenopausal women. I tick both boxes. 

My personal opinion is that either medication should be offered in advance or all hysteroscopy procedures should be carried out under GA. This could help reduce failed procedures and ultimately quicken the process. 

I agree, pain relief should always be offered if the procedure isn't carried out under GA. Since the menopause I've found any internal examination very uncomfortable. I've also not had children nor have I been sexually active for many years. I always make a point of informing any doctor about these facts as it sometimes feel there's an assumption that internal examinations shouldn't be a problem.

Gosh that wonder ‘what if I don’t wake up’ is pretty common. I had a spinal for my hysteroscopy and was allowed my iPhone so was plugged into a audiobook for the duration. It was very weird to be numb from the waist down. 
I would have preferred GA but I had some post Covid breathing issues. I was cleared for GA by the time I had my exploratory and later hysterectomy 

I'm severely upset by the lack of pain medication when women have a Hysteroscopy. I was given a local on the cervix but it didn't help at all and they were unable to complete the procedure, so I had to wait several weeks to go back and have a GA. There was no in between offered. Where as a male friend who had to have polyps removed from his colon was given a sedative and fentanyl - not that I'm eager to try fentanyl but still. 

Post menopausal and no children and I had no problems with pain with any of my hysteroscopies, biopsies or insertion of Mirena coil…consider myself very fortunate in this respect…I’m usually such a wuss too!