I too have had a hysteroscopy and removal of endometrial polyps, due to post menopausal bleeding on a 2WW referral. The difference was that my hospital included the option to ask for GA in the information leaflet I'd been given at the pre op appointment.
Years before I had suffered the most excruciating pain, and sense of violation, when, at 40 weeks pregnant, and without any prior discussion let alone consent, an arrogant consultant told me he wanted to 'take a look to see how I was progressing ' but then proceeded to perform an excruciating sweep. I wondered why the accompanying nurse put her arm round my shoulders before this 'look' commenced. I was so shocked afterwards I threw up, and literally shook for several hours - I have never felt such sickening pain, including labour pains. Nor did it serve any purpose at all as my baby was born 12 days later anyway.
Due to that experience I have since struggled with all sorts of intimate examinations and procedures and I knew I'd have a full blown panic attack if the hysteroscopy was even slightly painful, and especially so if it was being performed by a male doctor.
Thankfully having explained all of the above to a very sympathetic nurse, having a GA was never an issue and everyone I encountered prior to being knocked out was very respectful. I realise from reading other women's experiences that I was fortunate to encounter a decent and understanding team right from the outset - and although the option for GA was somewhat hidden away, at least it was there in black and white for anyone to request.
It is appalling and sadistic that women's pain is so often minimised and attributed to 'hysteria' ... the origins of that word itself, i.e. having a disproportionately negative and 'out of control' reaction to something does of course relate back to us having wombs; as if possession of that organ is all it takes to be ridiculously fussy. Our literal, physical feelings and reactions are all too often brushed aside and blamed on 'hysteria' ..... 'calm down dear' springs to mind. While society has viewed our experience for centuries in that way, regardless of which part of us is hurting, I truly believe that particular contempt is ingrained and reserved for any kind of gynaecological complaint. It's really hard to articulate properly but I do wonder if 'women's troubles' are somehow seen as less important, and us, as less deserving of sympathetic and kind treatment than men suffering specifically male issues? And why is that? Is it a semi conscious choice within the current health service with limited resources? Or is it deeper than that? Why is hysteroscopy too often minimised as a minor discomfort when it must be clear to all the participating HCPs that women are in agony? Is there an additional and particular correlation between the ages of the majority of women undergoing this, and the attitude they encounter? As in, being menopausal .... the whole 'dried up old hag' thing, so those women are treated less kindly because we don't matter as much?