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Menopause

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Original poster

Womb biopsy and then hysteroscopy

22 replies

Elasticatedwaist · 11/02/2022 20:22

Went to a gynae appointment on Tuesday after a scan found a uterine polyp. I ended up having a womb biopsy without any warning. I found it pretty painful and got through it with some deep breathing but once that was over I was told that a hysteroscopy is next. The leaflet says that a couple of painkillers beforehand is all that is needed unless you find the procedure too uncomfortable in which case it will be abandoned and you will come back and have it with a general.
I’m worried. How much worse is it than a biopsy ? I once had to abandon an endoscopy and I don’t want that sort of trauma again !

OP posts:

Linnty · 11/02/2022 22:47

Just recently had the same. Internal ultrasound - abnormal womb thickness. Referred for hysteroscopy. Found it ‘doable’; I did take co-codamol half an hour beforehand. They found polyps and said they’d remove while I was there. They then injected cervix with anaesthetic. It was ok. I watched it on the monitor as polyps were removed. It was an awkward position - legs in stirrups etc as I’m disabled, but it was just really uncomfortable to begin with, not pain before the anaesthetic. Hope that helps.

JinglingHellsBells · 12/02/2022 07:44

I've had both. Biopsy alone was fine- almost painless- and the hysteroscopy was ok- didn't have any kind of pain relief. A lot depends IMO on the skill of the dr doing these.

vivainsomnia · 12/02/2022 10:01

Why the need of a hysteroscopy after the biopsy?

I had the biopsy and was told hysteroscopy would depend on results of biopsy. I then got a letter to say that biopsy came back totally fine and so no further action was required. Getting the mirena was also optional if I wanted to control the bleeding (I've only had a tiny bit of bleeding during that one episode, nothing before or since).

The biopsy did hurt and had no warning at all.

MissyB1 · 12/02/2022 10:06

Depends on the person doing the procedure! I had two, first one with an excellent Doc who was clearly expert, I coped very well. Next one with some kind of idiot who couldn’t even find the cervix!!! That was utterly horrendous.
Unfortunately you have no way of knowing how experienced they are.

LovelaceBiggWither · 12/02/2022 10:06

I had all that done under GA. Here in Australia, nobody does hysteroscopy without it according to my gynae. The biopsy and hysterocopy were done simultaneously after an u/s as they suspected cancer.

AnneShirleysNewDress · 12/02/2022 10:16

I also had it done under GA. Wasn't offered any other option. It was in a private hospital.

MrsSkylerWhite · 12/02/2022 10:19

Three hysteroscopies.
I found them uncomfortable rather than painful: I took two paracetamol and codeine an hour before appointment in each instance.

steppingcarefully · 12/02/2022 10:24

I have a uterine polyp, had an internal ultrasound and biopsy. I found it quite uncomfortable but not too painful. I was then told I would need a hysteroscopy and they will remove the polyp. I had an appt come through for January but was so worried about it I phoned and asked if it could be done under a general. I am having it done now on Weds. The leaflet says there is the option for having it done under a general and my view was if they are offering it there must be a reason! If I was just having the hysteroscopy I would have gone ahead as an out patient but the fact they will be removing a polyp was the bit that worried me. I've been told it will take about half an hour so I'm even more glad I will be asleep.

SparklingLime · 12/02/2022 10:26

I had a biopsy with no pain relief. It was a very particular unbearable pain. I now know that if I need a hysteroscopy I would have to be a GA.

JinglingHellsBells · 12/02/2022 12:04

@vivainsomnia

Why the need of a hysteroscopy after the biopsy?

The biopsy did hurt and had no warning at all.

The reason for Why the need of a hysteroscopy after the biopsy is because a biopsy is only around 85% accurate (online medical info.)

It only takes a sample from a small area, and may sometimes miss something elsewhere in the womb.

They sometimes prefer to look as well.

JinglingHellsBells · 12/02/2022 12:08

@AnneShirleysNewDress

I also had it done under GA. Wasn't offered any other option. It was in a private hospital.

Mine was done privately but I discussed well beforehand what was available and I was very keen to avoid a GA if at all possible, as it's so much more involved- no eating, adult with your afterwards, recovering time, and travelling.

Plan was

try with nothing
try with local
rearrange for a GA is above were not tolerable.

I was fine with it although did have cervical shock afterwards (feeling faint) so had to stay around for a couple of hours.

Kimbo180 · 13/02/2022 00:15

Iv one of these test due in 2 weeks time. Im so nervous

Snog · 13/02/2022 09:34

I've just had one with a general anaesthetic. You can opt for GA within the NHS if you choose to. I had to wait an extra 18 days to have under GA instead of in an outpatient clinic.

GA was the right choice for me. I think it's good to do your research on this and ask questions of your gynae team to work out what will suit you best as we are all different people.

whatsnext2 · 13/02/2022 20:46

I’ve just had one done last week, very uncomfortable, did have the option of gas and air, but it was all done so quickly didn’t need it. Apparently greater chance of complications under GA.

fantasmasgoria1 · 13/02/2022 22:08

I had this with no pain relief and it was fine. The biopsy hurt a bit but the rest was just discomfort. I got cramping for a couple of days after but that's all

fantasmasgoria1 · 13/02/2022 22:09

Oh just to add it was an extremely skilled nurse specialist who did my procedure.

BigTroubleinSmallBoots · 13/02/2022 22:58

I had a one a couple of months ago, didn’t have a GA but was told I could have one if I couldn’t tolerate it. Tbh I think the recommendation for two paracetamol before hand is ridiculous. Mine hurt, as did the biopsy. No gas and air as it makes me vomit - so deep breathing and I took co-codamol before and afterwards - got a family member to drive me to the outpatients and back home again. I wouldn’t have been able to drive home.

I’ve got to go back for a uterine abalation at some point in the future (🤨waiting lists). I’m having a GA then.

Kimbo180 · 23/02/2022 11:47

I just got mine done horrendous experince had to stop .
Id advise any one getting it done get put to sleep. The GA made me sick afterward. Id also advise bring someone with ya to help ya home

Kimbo180 · 23/02/2022 11:52

Sorry that meant local anest. Not general

Louisianagumbo · 23/02/2022 12:02

I was offered a ga but I just wanted to get on with it, not spend a day there, and not want people to have to drive me back and forth. I took painkillers beforehand and it was just like a bit of period cramp. Mind you, they (there were 4 staff in with me) did tell me I was very brave 😇 so maybe I have a high pain threshold. Went off shopping into town afterwards.

My best tip is to wear a loose skirt that goes past your knees. Then you just have to take your pants off and you keep your dignity intact as you walk around and lie in the chair.

Kimbo180 · 23/02/2022 13:08

I no its very embassaring i had a male doctor aswell

Starrr123 · 18/02/2023 17:31

Did anyone find it made their next period awful? Also i keep peeing loads 😭 ever since ive had it done and had biopsys taken xx

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