"Hysteroscopy… a positive experience "

After referral by my GP following slight post-menopausal bleeding, I was seen within 2 weeks at my nearest clinic at Dewsbury Hospital, where I had a trans- vaginal ultrasound and pelvic examination. Both were painless, staff were caring and responsive to my needs. I was advised an outpatients Hysteroscopy was recommended as I had a slightly thickened endometrial lining. Leaving with an explanatory leaflet, explaining a fairly simple, mostly painless procedure

(albeit there was a warning that some women could find it extremely painful), I took to the internet for further investigation … and really wish I hadn’t! Whilst there were some encouraging reports, there were quite a large number of reviews across various social media/medical platforms stating that the procedure was brutal and worse than childbirth! And I believe for some it is.

Within the next 3 weeks, I had my appointment,this time at Pinderfields. I have to say that I was very nervous about the level of potential pain/discomfort I could bear as a post menopausal, 57 year old who has never given birth! I really shouldn’t have worried SO much. All the staff in outpatient department 8B were excellent. The lovely doctor performing the procedure told me what was going to happen and she listened to my concerns about not having a local anaesthetic. She advised that she would know straight away by how my cervix reacted, and if she thought there would be difficulties/it was too painful, she would administer a LA. In the treatment room also were two nurses.. one to stay and chat by my side and another to assist the doctor. They were all lovely, chatty and very reassuring. I can’t say that the procedure wasn’t uncomfortable at times, because it was. The initial use of the speculum was uncomfortable, but that’s probably my individual situation. I think the ungainly, awkward presence of the instruments and the anticipation of bad pain, which didn’t really materialise, was the worst part of the process. I felt some light cramping period type pains pushing through my cervix and once the hysteroscope was in my uterus, and slight nipping pains when the small polyps that were discovered were removed. My procedure took about 25 minutes altogether and I was given a lovely relaxing cup of tea and biscuit afterwards.

I thought it important to write this review to show that as individuals each of our experiences can be different. It was explained that the procedure can stop at any point if it became too painful. Choice is the keyword. Don’t be pressured into anything you’re not happy with.

Thanks again to the fabulous NHS staff who cared for me so well that morning.