Undergoing a medical procedure without an anaesthetic felt like being "flayed alive", according to Dee Dickens.
The 53-year-old is one of many in the UK who have reported having a hysteroscopy, which is used to examine the uterus, without enough pain relief.
Clinical guidelines say patients must be given anaesthetic options before the gynaecological exam.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg health board said it was concerned by the experiences of Ms Dickens and urged her to get in touch.
Ms Di