Dilatation And Curettage Dc

Overview

Dilatation and curettage (D&C) is a short procedure. Dilatation means widening the cervix, which is the opening of the womb. Curettage means gently removing tissue from the lining of the womb. A D&C can be used to treat a problem, such as heavy bleeding or tissue left after a miscarriage. It can also collect tissue for testing.

Yes. A D&C is a common minor procedure in sexual and reproductive health care.

It affects people who have a uterus. It is most often done during the reproductive years, but it can also be done after menopause. It is rarely done in children.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A D&C has no symptoms of its own. Symptoms come from the reason it is needed.
• Heavy or long-lasting period bleeding
• Bleeding between periods or after sex
• Pelvic pain or cramps
• Passing large clots or tissue
• Bleeding after menopause
• After a D&C, mild cramping and light bleeding are common.

Symptoms in children

• A D&C is rarely done in children. If a child or teen has very heavy bleeding, severe pelvic pain, or other serious uterine symptoms, seek care from a children's or teen health service.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, a D&C may be used to check the cause of bleeding after menopause. This kind of bleeding should always be checked by a clinician.

Causes

Main causes

• A D&C is not caused by anything you did. It is done for reasons such as:
• Tissue left in the womb after a miscarriage or abortion
• Tissue left after childbirth, called retained placenta
• Heavy or irregular uterine bleeding
• Bleeding after menopause
• Suspected problems with the womb lining, such as thickened tissue
• Fibroids or polyps, which are non-cancer growths in the womb
• Need for a tissue sample to check for cancer or other conditions

Risk factors

• Risk factors are not causes of a D&C. They are things that may make a D&C more likely to be needed.
• Pregnancy loss or a pregnancy that is not growing normally
• Recent childbirth with retained placenta
• Uterine fibroids, polyps, or a thickened womb lining
• Bleeding after menopause
• Some bleeding disorders or medicines that affect bleeding
• Previous surgery on the womb or cervix

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have fever, worsening pain, or foul-smelling discharge after a D&C
• Bleeding gets heavier or does not slow down
• You feel dizzy, weak, or faint
• You have heavy bleeding after menopause
• You are pregnant and have heavy bleeding or strong pain

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have questions before a planned D&C
• You need follow-up after the procedure
• You are waiting for tissue test results
• Your periods are irregular, very heavy, or painful
• You have questions about fertility or future pregnancy

Diagnosis

You are not diagnosed with a D&C. A clinician recommends it after asking about your symptoms, examining you, and sometimes doing tests. The tissue removed during a D&C can be checked in a lab to help find the cause of a problem.

Tests that may be done

• Pregnancy test
• Ultrasound scan, which uses sound waves to make pictures of the womb
• Blood tests, such as a blood count to check for anemia
• Swabs to check for infection
• Hysteroscopy, which uses a small camera to look inside the womb
• Endometrial biopsy, a small sample of the womb lining

What to expect at your appointment

A D&C is usually done in a hospital or clinic. You may be given medicine to keep you comfortable or to help you sleep. The procedure is short. You may have cramps and light bleeding afterward. You will usually need someone to take you home, and you should follow your care team's instructions about eating, drinking, and activity.

Treatment

A D&C is often the treatment itself, such as removing tissue that is causing bleeding. It can also be part of the diagnosis. Your care team will explain why it is suggested and what other options you have.

Self-care at home

• Rest as needed and return to normal activities when you feel ready
• Use pads instead of tampons if your clinician advises it
• Avoid sex, douching, and swimming until your clinician says it is okay
• Ask your clinician about pain relief that is safe for you
• Watch for heavy bleeding, fever, or worsening pain
• Keep follow-up appointments and ask about test results

Medical treatments

Treatment depends on why the D&C is needed. Your care team may use a D&C alone or with another procedure, such as hysteroscopy, which uses a small camera to look inside the womb. They may also offer medicines to help with bleeding, pain, or infection. The exact plan depends on your situation. Ask why each option is suggested and what the risks and benefits are.

When is surgery considered?

A D&C is a minor surgical procedure. It may be recommended when tissue needs to be removed or sampled, when bleeding is heavy or ongoing, or when there is concern about the womb lining. It may be planned in advance or done urgently.

Living with this condition

Most people feel better within a few days. You may have light bleeding or spotting for up to 2 weeks. Tiredness is common, especially if you lost blood. Follow your care team's advice about work, exercise, and sex.

Lifestyle tips

• Follow your clinician's advice about rest and gentle activity
• Eat iron-rich foods if you have lost blood, such as beans, lentils, leafy greens, and lean meat
• Drink enough fluids
• Avoid heavy lifting until your clinician says it is safe
• Do not use tampons, douche, or have sex until your clinician says it is okay

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet for a D&C. A balanced diet and enough fluids help your body recover. Gentle walking is usually fine. Wait for your clinician's advice before returning to intense exercise or heavy lifting.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A D&C can be linked to pregnancy loss, fertility worries, or difficult health news. It is normal to feel grief, relief, anxiety, sadness, or confusion. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or feel in crisis, call your local emergency number or a local crisis service right away. You do not have to cope alone.

Prevention

A D&C cannot be prevented because it is a procedure, not an illness. Some reasons it is needed cannot be prevented. You can lower some risks by getting regular health care, managing health conditions, and seeking help early for heavy bleeding or pregnancy concerns.

Vaccines

Vaccines do not prevent a D&C. Some infections that can affect pregnancy can be prevented by routine vaccines. Ask your clinician which vaccines are right for you.

Screening programmes

Routine screening for cervical cancer is important for sexual health, but it does not screen for every reason a D&C is needed. Ask your clinician about screening that fits your age and history.

Complications

If left untreated

• If the problem that led to a D&C is not treated, possible problems include ongoing heavy bleeding, infection, anemia, or tissue left in the womb.
• Rarely, serious causes of abnormal bleeding, such as cancer, may be missed if not checked.
• After a D&C, rare complications include infection, injury to the womb or cervix, or scarring.

Long-term outlook

Most people recover well after a D&C. Mild cramps and light bleeding are common for a few days. Serious problems are uncommon. Follow-up matters, especially if tissue was sent for testing. Your care team can help you understand what comes next.

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