Like ripping my insides - fears hysteroscopy guidelines not enough

A hysteroscopy is a procedure to examine the inside of the uterus by passing a telescope-like device through the cervix.

It is used to investigate problems like heavy periods and post-menopausal bleeding.

A third of those undergoing the procedure report pain levels of seven or above out of 10 .

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists ( RCOG ) says patients should be offered local or general anaesthesia for the procedure and their medical history should be taken into account, including trauma or difficulty with smear tests.

Campaigners claim the new clinical guidelines promoting pain relief and choice are not enough.

“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.”.