Like ripping my insides – fears hysteroscopy guidelines not enough

Dr Lucky Saraswat is a consultant gynaecologist in Aberdeen, who trains doctors on how to perform hysteroscopies. She says the procedure is not painful for the vast majority of women but it’s important for patients to know they are in control.

She said: “We just have to help people make an informed choice of how they want to do it.

“Some people wouldn’t want to have an anaesthetic, as the anaesthetic is not without risks either. So, a lot of people choose to have it done in outpatient settings. Some will make a choice of having an anaesthetic.”

Campaigners claim the new clinical Green Top Guidelines, external minimise the risk of pain that patients may experience.

Dr Geeta Kumar, consultant gynaecologist and vice president of RCOG, said they had listened to patients’ concerns.

“Clear accurate written and verbal information must be provided, both at the time of referral, and at the procedure appointment,” she said.

“This will support a woman to make an informed choice, including whether they want to proceed with the procedure and if so, their preferences for treatment setting and pain relief options.”

Katharine Tylko, from the Campaign Against Painful Hysteroscopy, said: “It will have no impact whatsoever, apart from a few very conscientious and compassionate fighting-types of gynaecologist – young women who will say – ‘We want decent care for our patients.’

“These guidelines are not mandatory.”