Why is anesthetic not routinely used during a cervical biopsy?

I recently had one. Doctor wanted to do same day I went for pelvic ultrasound results (which was also painful), but I told her I need to prepare. She gave me pain meds to take an hour before procedure next day. I asked for local anesthesia because urologist did so for cystoscopy, but did not get one for pelvic ultrasound.

I would not have been able to do it without the local anesthesia and squeezing the nurses hand. It was excruciating! I was singing worship, praying, and breathing drep breaths.

She had to take 3 samples, the last was the worst. I survived, but literally shed tears when it was done. My doctor and nurse really helped by encouraging me, as if I was giving birth. The doctor took her time to make sure the anesthesia had kicked in.

I had a colposcopy today with 2 punch biopsies. In the past I have had a bone marrow biopsy (think giant needle in your hip bone) and this was more traumatising. I was told nothing before the procedure and I bled ALOT - the doctor put in a tampon afterwards. I was in so much pain on the way home I cried in agony on the train. No local anaesthetic and was not told to take anything prior. I'm also on intravaginal antiobiotics because he was worried the biopsy sites might get infected. If testicles had to be biopsied without anaesthetic there would be protests in the streets!

I'm trying to find the medical reason. I know what my assumption is. The information used to teach the female reproductive system is old and outdated. It was once assumed that there are no nerve endings in the cervix. I know that is not true for all women because I've had orgasms that may have built up elsewhere but were sent over the climax by cervical stimulation.

During my recent colposcopy and biopsy (four), I used the relaxation techniques that have gotten me through so smears and waxes. Once I even allowed myself to be burned (legs only) by wax that was too hot because I was so deep in my happy place.

The techniques did not work 100% for the biopsies. That procedure HURTS! I'm about to start writing some letters until someone in power within the medical community pays attention.

long story, short. I refused to go for annuals for years due to cervical biopsy in my 20's that left me feeling violated (the pain was secondary). I passed out, getting dressed. woke alone on the floor. In my 40's, I started therapy for childhood sexual abuse. I had to get a "full" physical. Yup! HPV+... abnormal pap; recommended colposcopy/biopsy. I agreed, if they would put me out. they refused. I spent months calling offices, unsuccessfully. I called my insurance company; argued "psych condition" warranted anesthesia - or I would refuse the procedure... until they "had" to put me out. they found me a dr. that would put me out. my meet/greet appt was last week. wait n see mode. I'm not advocating that anyone else take this approach. I didn't take it lightly. I couldn't "talk myself" into allowing it any other way. I only write this so that other women and hopefully medical personnel understand that this is not acceptable! we use to do a lot of things without anesthesia that would be considered barbaric and abusive today. Some women get through it fine. Many do not. Women need to talk about this more and stop thinking we're alone.

I had a cervical biopsy this week and it was utterly awful. I screamed, bawled and cussed. The day after the muscles in my ass hurt from the severity of the clenching. I was told it would feel like a pinch. It was worse then the pain when I had to have an emergency gallbladder surgery. They have to downplay the pain I suppose, or then they would have to explain why no pain relief measures are taken. I dont know why something can't be given orally or a local anesthetic. The cramping continued for a while afterwards and I felt so violated from the experience. There was a large pool of blood under me when I got up which also tells me this was much more than a "pinch." I will never NEVER do this again without pain prevention measures.

I was told my pap smear had come back with HPV 16 and would need a colposcopy to further diagnose. I'm up on the table without pants on expecting the colposcopy and then the doctor says, "Okay, this might pinch." Surprise biopsies! I keep wondering why on earth I didn't say anything like, "Hey there! Whatcha doing?" But honestly, who wouldn't be shocked and traumatized by that? I've had migraines before and I think I would've taken the migraine over the biopsies.

I'm due my third lot of biopsy's this morning. Last time the doctor took three and I burst into tears. I felt so stupid. I've had two procedures and both times I have reminded to have a GA. This time I have made it clear I want a local anesthetic before any biopsies are taken as my doctor suggested that last time. Apparently, its tender due to the fact I have scar tissue there. I don't think my doctor has had a biopsy taken herself. Will let you know how It goes. So nervous.... Not sure which will hurt more a biopsy or a big needle put in a place the sun doesn't shine.