Carole Kendall, a patient from Letchworth, Hertfordshire, has called for an end to what she describes as 'barbaric' hysteroscopies that lack adequate pain relief, highlighting a systemic bias against women in the NHS. In a letter published in response to an article by Anna Moore, Kendall details her own traumatic experiences and contrasts them with the treatment offered to men undergoing colonoscopies.
Three Traumatic Procedures
Kendall reports having three hysteroscopies, with two associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). All three were administered with only basic pain relief: a small amount of local anaesthetic, which she compares to 'numbing a gum with a piece of ice and then proceeding with root canal treatment.' On the third occasion, she was offered a general anaesthetic, but she describes this as 'way too much.' She states that at no point was anything else offered, unlike for colonoscopies.
Kendall says the hysteroscopies were 'much worse than childbirth' for her, involving 'zero dilation to full dilation in no time at all.' As a result of her three awful experiences, she came off HRT, because she has no wish to experience the procedure again.
Systemic Bias Against Women
Kendall feels the system is biased against women. She argues that in the 21st century, the NHS should be offering women 'a bit more than a paracetamol and the equivalent of a bit of ice.' She also calls for 'a bit of dignity' and suggests a recovery space, or treating women like men who have colonoscopies.
Kendall's letter fully endorses Anna Moore's article on the lack of pain relief for hysteroscopies, which was published on 16 August. The article, titled 'It was barbaric. I was crying my eyes out': why are so many women left in agony by routine womb examinations?, highlights the widespread issue of inadequate pain management during the procedure.
Call for Change
Kendall's letter is a direct appeal to the NHS to improve its approach to women's health, particularly regarding hysteroscopies. She emphasises the need for better pain relief options and a more dignified experience for patients, urging the healthcare system to address the disparity in treatment between men and women.
