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NHS hysteroscopy treatment

A hysteroscopy is an examination of the uterus (womb) and cervix using a hysteroscope. A hysteroscope is a thin, lighted tube with a camera at the end. It is inserted through the vagina. The NHS website explains that images “are sent to a monitor so your doctor or specialist nurse can see inside your womb”. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) describes hysteroscopy as an “established diagnostic test that is in widespread use across the UK”.

Concerns have previously been raised in the Commons, and by the Campaign Against Painful Hysteroscopy, about variations in practice regarding the use / offer of anaesthesia and the pain associated with having a hysteroscopy. The NHS states the pain may be “severe” for some patients during a hysteroscopy while others may feel no or mild pain. The Campaign Against Painful Hysteroscopy started a change.org petition – “End barbaric NHS hysteroscopies with inadequate pain-relief” – which, at the time of writing, has over 57,000 signatures.

This debate pack contains background about the procedure as well as information on the RCOG guideline on Best Practice in Outpatient Hysteroscopy, Government policy and recent Parliamentary material.