Have been told I need my cervix dilated for pipelle (scratch) but really confused why and if this is necessary - am now in so much pain.

[Music1]

I completely understand how beneficial it is to have a procedure (where they scratch the lining of your womb) before IVF. Last time I experienced some pain - I have an inverted uterus, and personally I felt they was quite forceful using with the speculum and very impatient. When I started to shed a tear, they said ... "well I can't continue like this". I was told I would need to have a 'D&C like procedure under General anaesthetic and they would also do the 'scrape' as well. I was told I had no choice, or IVF would have less chance % of working. Naturally I went ahead. Sadly IVF failed for us.

I went back to start IVF for a second time. I was booked in for a pipelle. Without even trying he said "it will be done again under general anaesthetic and I will 'stretch you like a D&C procedure whilst I'm there'.

I just feel a bit 'sickened' that I need this and yet I don't know of anyone else who has to has to have this done. I don't know of anyone else who has had to have their cervix widened - except in the case of miscarriage and childbirth. Is there something wrong with me, is it because my partner and I are not 'intimate' with each other if you know what I mean? Is it down to me being so tense or I have something wrong with my cervix?

I'm so upset and should be starting IVF soon, but have it going through my mind that I'm 'messed up internally' before I even start and my chances are now lower. Sorry to rant on.

I can't tell you how 'confused and upset I am that I've had to had this procedure twice now and I'm in a lot of pain'.

[kirdrew]

What a horrible experience the first time I had the scratch it was so painful and I believe they forget that we are human beings with feelings and because they do it every day they are robotic.

I'm not sure about the stretching element. I have the same type of uterus and if I'm honest it really depends on who has been doing my procedures for example my scratch is done reasonably well though hurts but my egg transfer that woman struggled got impatient and obviously I was tense.

The whole ivf thing is so cruel, I have had a serious bout of feeling down recently. Try and do some things you like maybe have a seriously frank conversation with them or if they have a counsellor ask to talk to them.

Take care xxx

[Music1 in reply to kirdrew]

Thank you so much for your reply Kirdrew.

I know I should be used to 'going under general anaesthetic'. I'm what my friends would call 'a wimp' when it comes to anything involving medical or dentist procedures etc. I got very emotional when I went back to the clinic. When I guess for most people fortunate to be starting IVF again, I should have been elated, excited and looking forward. Don't get me wrong, I am, However, it did bring back sad memories from our last attempt.

I think you are correct when you say 'I believe they forget we are human beings with feelings'. I was told "I've been doing this all day and you're the first one I can't do this on". I felt so angry with myself. I then needed to go home and say that it was costing an additional £650.

I'm sorry, I just wish they had explained and tried to make me feel more 'normal'. I will book a session with a counsellor, but I suspect I probably won't get any answers as to whether others have this procedure. My husband says I should stop worrying about "whether others" etc and think about myself. When you see every 'step of the way' written down with dates, and then you get an alternative list of 'things' that need to happen it hurts emotionally. Thank you so much for your time, your reply and sharing your experience. I am trying to stay positive but with extra little hurdles I feel low sometimes.

Many thanks xx

[jray19]

Hi.

I've had dilation surgery for stenosis (pinhole) cervix. I had it under general anaesthetic. They use metal rods, starting small, then gradually wider, to stretch open my cervical opening.

Stenosis cervix is uncommon, but there are different reasons for it, and they are not to do with 'intimacy'. Mine was sealed small after having a lletz treatment for CIN2 pre cancer cells that needed removal. My cervix healed incorrectly- a rare occurence.

Dilation is necessary if a catheter won't go into your cervical opening easily. I know because I was in extreme pain when they tried to do my live egg transfer, and it had to be abandoned, and eggs frozen, then I gad to wait for the dilation surgery, delaying my ivf treatment further to the point I'm pushing 40. Since the surgery I've had a frozen transfer and it was painless.

Have the dilation and be glad they have noticed in time, as you would not want to go through the extreme pain or messed up ivf. Also, google about stenosis cervix and know it's not your fault.

The scrape might be needed to clear your uterus ready for ivf. I had my uterus checked with a camera during the dilation (hysteroscopy) to check that because of my stenosis cervix no remenants of my monthly period had remained in my uterus.

Good luck. Sounds like the doctors are on the ball and know what is going on with you, which is great.

X

[Music1 in reply to jray19]

Hi JRay

Thank you so much for your response and explaining all of this to me. I just wish my clinic had taken some time to explain possibly why I may of had it and why it was necessary - rather than 'you need it'.

Thank you so much. Initially it just felt like another hurdle or 'spanner in the works'. You go in expecting to pick up drugs and have needle training and you end up going in for another proceedure. I can only imagine how painful things must have been for you during egg transfer and having to put things on hold etc. I will google stenosis cervix later.

Thank you so much for your explanation and sharing your experience. I really do appreciate. x