Experiences of outpatient hysteroscopy and whether to have it without anaesthetic

[Sillybillypoopoomummy]

Please can I ask advice about outpatient hysteroscopy. I have obviously heard horror stories but can't judge how realistic they are? I have had a hysterosalpingogram about 18 years ago - this was something that lots of people said could be painful and I was lucky and it was not at all. Hysteroscopy is chunkier tools to get through the cervix though and there is the potential option of biopsy - all without any pain relief (other than the kind suggestion to take a paracetamol in advance...). I do not want a GA unnecessarily but I feel the literature about this is very mixed with the NHS on oneside and everyone who has experienced it on the other, but am aware that those who had no problems don't feel the need to write about it!
Please can I ask for opinions of hysteroscopies from those who found it fine and those who didn't. I have an appointment suddenly in a week so don't have long to decide.

Just to update, I had it yesterday and it was absolutely fine! I talked through everything before and ended up a flexible scope, no anaesthetic and a endometrial biopsy which I honestly did not feel at all. Everything looked fine though so the biopsy is expected to be clear and then they will hopefully refer for an ablation. Cramps last night and today are a bastard though and DH totally forgot. I am deciding when/if to remind him as he knew how nervous I was. Thank you all for your advice, it really help to know what to ask!

How can it be less painful than a smear? Do they not use a speculum for it?

I had one just over a decade ago under GA. Glad it was fine for you OP and the cramps will subside in time, I did get those but only for a day or two.

Too early for you I’m afraid but there’s good news on the horizon. There was a news report today about pioneering non invasive urine and vaginal swab tests being developed by Manchester University which will accurately detect uterine cancer markers without the need for invasive biopsies or hysteroscopy.

I don't know how to quote sorry, but yes they used speculi (ums??). One was too big and they couldn't find my cervix which was hiding around a corner, and then a longer, thinner one which enabled them to wrestle it into position with the aid of a cotton bud. In labour doing that that really really hurt me (for induction), but it didn't yesterday and smears do not normally either. I had communal showers from the age of 12-18 so I am not remotely body shy and I wonder if that helps.

Good to know EvelynBeatrice,thank you. I will look it up!

I’ve had two. Both ended up being operations and there is absolutely no way I would have had it done without GA. I realise not everybody has the same experience but for me it was non negotiable.

So sorry, I saw your update too late! I’m really glad you were one of the lucky ones! I wish I had been!