Randomised placebo controlled trial of mefenamic acid for premedication at outpatient hysteroscopy: a pilot study

An increasing number of diagnostic hysteroscopies are being performed in an outpatient setting. Most women tolerate the examination well, but the single commonest reason for failure is pain. We assessed the efficacy of a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory analgesic as premedication before hysteroscopy in a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Our results showed that 500 mg mefenamic acid given one hour before hysteroscopy had no significant benefit in the discomfort experienced during the procedure but did significantly reduce pain after hysteroscopy. A larger dose or a longer interval between premedication and hysteroscopy may possibly be associated with greater benefits.