"Painful hysteroscopy"

I had a hysteroscopy procedure to remove a polyp in October.

I just want to say I found the procedure horrific and excruciating.

The surgeon managed to get the polyp about three quarters removed and then had to tug it as I could not tolerate the 'cutting' - it was like getting a jolt of excruciating pain every time.

The staff were kind and the surgeon apologised and I was told some people can tolerate it - but that's pretty bad news for the rest of us. I had an endometrial biopsy three weeks before which again was a very painful experience and I was led to believe that the hysteroscopy procedure wouldn't be as bad. Sadly that was not the case.

I personally can't understand how either of these procedures can be done without adequate pain relief. I'm afraid the leaflet that advises taking two Ibuprofen beforehand is far from adequate. You wouldn't expect to have a tooth removed without pain relief so I do not understand how removal of a polyp can be acceptable. I did also write to the surgeon afterwards and the surgeon was kind enough to reply - but along the lines of their surveys have shown women prefer not to have a general anesthetic etc! Maybe that is the case but there must be a half way house such as gentle sedation/gas and air for the pain?

I personally would never consent to this again without adequate anesthetic or pain relief.