To worry about this procedure after doctor’s comment about birth? (Polyp)

Not to derail the thread but how on earth do you get your little finger anywhere near your cervix?!

GA could only done in theatre by an anaesthetist. It's easier for anaesthetist to administer z spinal. I think you need to go back and ask as I am somewhat confused why a spinal wasn't mentioned

I've had two hysteroscopies with local and tolerated them fine. I have had two vaginal births so that may be why. The second was for polyp removal. I could see the whole procedure on a screen, which I understand would not suit many. Mostly it felt achy, with a couple of moments of crampy pain. Importantly, I didn't feel the actual removal (which I could see) at all. The discomfort was when she was dilating my cervix and when they pump water into my uterus. I was able to drive home half an hour later, so it suited me fine.

I had a hysteroscopy recently with local, I didn’t feel the local at all and the scope only caused very minor discomfort but no pain whatsoever. It was much more pleasant than a dental checkup. I have had both vaginal and a c-sSection. You could try it and if too uncomfortable you could go back and have it done under spinal or general.

There is one thing about locals - they have to stick a needle in you to administer the local.

Having had IVF where they go into you to retrieve eggs as well as I have also had a cone biopsy with a local (chopped 1nch of my cervix off) - I would recommend the general. Is there a reason why you don't want a general? I like a bit of general - a reason to sleep without children asking me stuff!

Having your cervix opened if a baby hasn't been through it is more painful. Had coils fitted before and after baby, massive difference in pain.

I had a a endometrial biopsy with no anaesthetic and that was bad. Dr told me some women told him it was worse than childbirth though I had nothing to compare it to as I’ve not been through childbirth, I’d previously had a polyp removed under general. I would go for the general if I were you.

Hysteroscopy, which is part of the procedure, can cause severe pain in about a third of patients, and the risk is higher if you have not given birth vaginally. Local anaesthetic will only have an impact on cervical pain, not uterine pain, which has a different nerve route. You would still feel the uterine polyp removal. Have you considered IV sedation with analgesia? You wouldn't be aware of it happening, and it's a safer option than GA, although general anaesthetic is really quite low risk these days. I had an extremely painful hysteroscopy and was traumatised by it. There's no way I would have a hysteroscopy again without a GA or sedation, and I've given birth vaginally twice. You can see the Campaign Against Painful Hysteroscopy website for more information or support.

I had a hysteroscopy before kids but offered no anaesthetic at all and it was worse than giving birth.

After giving birth I've since had another and a uterine polyp removed, again with no anaesthetic and whilst uncomfortable it wasn't in the same league.

Now thinking my health trust is bit crap offering no pain relief.

I think they may enter your womb via the cervix. If the cervix has previously dilated enough for a vaginal birth, it would be easier for medical instruments to enter the womb via that route surely than if you'd had a cesarean where the cervix would not have been stretched?
Phone the department on your appointment letter and ask if you can speak to a nurse or doctor about the procedure.

Well I can say as someone that has had 3 vaginal births my cervix has DEFINITELY change massively due to that.

It use to be a tiny pin prick before having kids and has stretched with each birth but can practically fit my whole little finger in it now.

If you didn't dilate with your C-section its likely still very tight and I would hazard and educated guess it will be greatly uncomfortable to have to 'stretch it' to ram stuff up it.

I had one removed under local. I was told that 3 vaginal births would work in my favour - not because of pain issues.

I had mine removed under local anaesthetic. It was very uncomfortable but not comparable to giving birth. You need to ask them to confirm exactly why they think it will be too painful for you.

I had a polyp removed last year. The consultant who made the appointment said it would be under local but in theatre and I was terrified (I have had previous hysteroscopies). However when I got to the appointment the anaesthetist was brilliant and very reassuring and explained that the options in theatre were much more effective than in the clinic. But then I saw the consultant who was doing the procedure and he said that I could have a spinal anaesthetic and that was the best of both worlds - I lay back behind the screen and didn't feel a thing.

I don't understand why you can't do under spinal anaesthetic. You won't feel any pain from waist down under spinal.

This is why - its also the reason they say its more painful to have a coil fitted if you havent given birth - your cervix will be harder to open and it could be more painful

Its not a slight on your pain thresholds its just that typically it will hurt more as it hasnt had to open before

@Summer20024 I was just under the impression that hysteroscopies were considered more painful if you hadn't had a vaginal birth, like other things do to with the cervix such as IUD insertion. I assumed it was do to with the cervix being, I don't know, more open maybe. Or more easily opened.