Has anyone had hysteroscopy without GA? - Fertility Network UK

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Has anyone had hysteroscopy without GA?

Daisy-Delilah profile image
17 Replies

Hello lovely ladies,

I’ve had two hysteroscopys done previously, (about 3 years ago) one where they did it under GA and removed a lot of scar tissue. The second one I had without GA as a follow up to check that the previous treatment. The one without GA I remember being REALLY painful and that was just looking around.

Since I’ve had a D&C and then no successes on my transfers my consultant has suggested we could do the hysteroscopy again. He thinks it’s unlikely that there would be any scar tissue as my last lining was the best it’s ever been, but best to check it out.

I am tempted to go for the option in my local clinic where they don’t use GA, so I don’t have to put myself through the stress and go to hospital etc. but I am really nervous about the pain, especially if they need to remove anything!

Has anyone had this done and had some sort of local anesthetic? And if so was it more bareable?

thanks ladies xxx

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Daisy-Delilah profile image
Daisy-Delilah
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17 Replies

I had a check hysteroscopy after my myomectomy 2 months ago with no anaesthetic. They removed a small polyp and cut a suture out. It was uncomfortable during the procedure but bearable. Besides, waiting for a slot on the GA list could have taken weeks and I was keen to get it done in preparation of my FET next month. There is an option of having entonox in our OP clinic but you can’t go home straight after. I just wanted to go home after the procedure so just put up with it. But everyone is different and only you can know your limits.

Daisy-Delilah profile image
Daisy-Delilah in reply to

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

I’m like you- I just want to get it done and don’t want to delay my next FET (hopefully early January) and there is a slot on Monday they can fit me in the clinic. But I’m super nervous as I think maybe my pain threshold isn’t that high! 🤦🏼‍♀️

Did the procedure take long? X

in reply toDaisy-Delilah

It took about 30 minutes. I watched the screen whilst they were doing it so it helped pass the time x obviously it just depends if they have to do anything like removing scar tissue etc…

Daisy-Delilah profile image
Daisy-Delilah in reply to

Thank you xxx

Wishinandahopin profile image
Wishinandahopin

I had mine with heavy sedation, like you have with egg collection and it was fine. Felt like I was asleep for all of it.

Daisy-Delilah profile image
Daisy-Delilah in reply toWishinandahopin

Thanks for responding. I’m not sure I know what heavy sedation is… my egg collection was under GA. Did you have to have someone pick you up? Was it still quite quick? Thanks x

Wishinandahopin profile image
Wishinandahopin in reply toDaisy-Delilah

It feels like GA but isn’t. In the U.K. all egg collections are heavy sedation and not GA unless in very specific cases. With GA you are put to sleep with an injection and they have to breathe for you. With heavy sedation you are put into a sleep like state with an injection but you are still breathing for yourself (though you would wear an oxygen mask). GA is much more risky and has a more difficult recovery. Sedation still requires you to have someone pick you up etc but recovery is better and quicker. It’s very quick - I woke up immediately after my egg collection and my hysterocopy.

I’ve only had GA once before for an operation on my teeth and it felt similar but I woke up slower and took a bit longer to recover. I also had to sign a million forms saying I may die 🙈😂🙈

Daisy-Delilah profile image
Daisy-Delilah in reply toWishinandahopin

Thanks for explaining to me. I had no idea! 😂🤦🏼‍♀️ x

Wishinandahopin profile image
Wishinandahopin in reply toDaisy-Delilah

No worries! It’s all super confusing and I only found it out recently too! Xx

With heavy sedation you will need to be fasted as though you’re having a GA. That will involve being put on a theatre list, an anaesthetist will administer the sedation.

Sedation is on a continuum from light sedation (being relaxed enough to tolerate procedure and maintaining consciousness) to being knocked out as with a GA.

Again, it can be done as a day case procedure but you will need to be picked up afterwards.

Daisy-Delilah profile image
Daisy-Delilah in reply to

Thank you- that’s helpful. I want to avoid the lengthy wait, having to be picked up etc. xxx

Pos1tivelybaby profile image
Pos1tivelybaby

I’ve had 3 hysteroscopies without GA. It hurt like hell, but it was really quick, about a minute and over just as quickly as it started. I took pain killers before, breathed through the pain and focused on the beautiful baby I could be having soon.

GA is more stressful on the body, then there’s the expense, logistics of getting home and recovery to consider. If it could be avoided, I would do that.

Daisy-Delilah profile image
Daisy-Delilah in reply toPos1tivelybaby

Thank you for taking the time to reply to me. I’m glad you agree - my last one was awful pain 😂🤦🏼‍♀️ x

Purpledoggy profile image
Purpledoggy

Both my hysteroscopies were done fully conscious, no drugs. Wasn’t offered any other option. I didn’t find either painful except when a biopsy was taken during one, that was ouch but the pain pretty shortlived. I’m not sure why a hysteroscopy without additional procedures would hurt, was it cramping it caused? Or getting through the cervix? They may be able to offer you local anaesthetic for the latter xx

Daisy-Delilah profile image
Daisy-Delilah in reply toPurpledoggy

Thanks for the response. Maybe I’m just a wuss!? 😂🤦🏼‍♀️

I think maybe it was getting through the cervix, I’m not sure I just remember it being awful. I’ve had a biopsy before which wasn’t too bad.

I’m worried though in case they do have to do some cutting of something! 🤦🏼‍♀️

It’s weird though as I’ve had 4 FETs and the first two were fine, the third one was quite painful and I said so, the doctor said to me ‘yes it will hurt’ and so I just carried on, my fourth one was quite painful again and the doctor asked me if it hurt and I said yes, he then adjusted the speculum and it was fine. So I wonder if sometimes something just a bit out of place can cause pain!? 🤷🏼‍♀️

Xxx

Purpledoggy profile image
Purpledoggy in reply toDaisy-Delilah

Sorry, wasn’t meaning to imply you were a wuss! (I am a wuss BTW 😂.) Just wondering which bit hurt and whether they could offer local to help, I’m certain that it can be used, especially for something like a biopsy. I think actually I took ibuprofen shortly beforehand, possibly under advice. It was a while ago so don’t remember well but that does ring a bell xx

Daisy-Delilah profile image
Daisy-Delilah in reply toPurpledoggy

lol! No worries at all! 😂 I will ask about the local anesthetic 👍🏻 xxx

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