How painful is a D&C without anesthesia?

Without sedation or anesthetic, it can be painful. Some feel little pain at all, while others feel considerable pain .

How much do they dilate your cervix for D&C?

Usually only a small amount of dilation is needed ( less than one half inch in diameter ). Tissue lining the uterus will be removed, either with an instrument called a curette or with a suction or vacuum pump. When a suction or vacuum pump is used, the procedure may be called "vacuum aspiration" or "suction curettage."

Is a D&C really necessary?

The decision to have a D&C for any reason is a personal choice and one that is best made after talking to your healthcare provider . A D&C may be an option to end a pregnancy in the first trimester (up to about 13 weeks of pregnancy). A D&C, or dilation and curettage, is a procedure to remove tissue from your uterus.

How long does it take for uterine lining to rebuild after D&C?

The endometrium after D and C surgery may require 6 months to recover normal reproductive function, in terms of both live birth and PL. The extent of the damage to endometrial function is not found to be reflected in the endometrial thickness.

How many days should I rest after D&C?

The recovery from dilation and curettage (D&C) depends on the type of procedure and anesthesia administered. After the surgery, you will be made to rest for about 2-5 hours before going home. Generally, it may take 2-3 days for complete recovery. You can resume your daily routine within 1-2 days after the procedure.

Does it hurt to pee after a D&C?

Notify our office if any of the following occurs: Increased abdominal pain. Pain or burning with urination or frequent urge to urinate.

Does a D&C clean you out?

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure to remove tissue from inside your uterus . Health care professionals perform dilation and curettage to diagnose and treat certain uterine conditions — such as heavy bleeding — or to clear the uterine lining after a miscarriage or abortion.

Are you put to sleep for a D&C?

The type of anesthesia will depend on the specific procedure being performed. Some D&C procedures may be performed while you are asleep under general anesthesia, or while you are awake under spinal or epidural anesthesia . If spinal or epidural anesthesia is used, you will have no feeling from your waist down.

Is a D&C suction or scraping?

Your healthcare provider will first expand (dilate) the lower narrow part of the uterus (cervix). Next, he or she will scrape out the lining of the uterus (endometrium) with a spoon-shaped tool. A suction D&C uses suction to remove uterine contents . This is sometimes called a dilation and evacuation (D&E).

How bad is the pain from a D&C?

You'll probably be sedated or under anesthesia during the procedure, so you shouldn't feel any pain during your D&C. Most people will have only mild cramping or discomfort afterward . If your pain is getting worse, see your doctor right away.

Can you have a D&C without being put to sleep?

Some D&C procedures may be performed while you are asleep under general anesthesia, or while you are awake under spinal or epidural anesthesia . If spinal or epidural anesthesia is used, you will have no feeling from your waist down.

What is the alternative to the D&C procedure?

Hysteroscopy is a similar procedure to D&C but your surgeon uses an instrument with a light and camera to check the inside of your uterus for any abnormalities. They can then either sample or remove any abnormal tissue. This procedure is often preferred to D&C if small, localised abnormalities are suspected.

Dilatation and curettage (D&C) (2024)

Summary

Read the full fact sheet

A dilatation and curettage (D&C) is primarily a diagnostic procedure to sample the endometrium (lining of the uterus) but may also be used to treat conditions such as incomplete miscarriage.
The procedure removes tissue from inside the uterus (womb).
A sample of the endometrium is helpful in diagnosis of the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding after menopause.

About dilatation and curettage (D and C)

A dilatation and curettage (D&C) is an operation performed on women to scrape away the uterus (womb) lining. The cervix (neck) of the uterus (womb) is dilated using an instrument called a dilator. The endometrium (lining of the uterus) or contents of the uterus are removed and sent to a laboratory for analysis, if required.

Reasons for D and C

D&C can be used as a diagnostic test or as a form of treatment for a range of conditions, for instance:

A history of abnormal menstrual bleeding, such as heavy bleeding (menorrhagia), bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause
Investigation of uterine infection
Incomplete abortion (miscarriage)
Surgical abortion when combined with suction
Incomplete medication abortion
Investigations of female infertility.

Procedure for D and C operation

D&C is regarded as a relatively minor procedure and can be done as day surgery, but a general anaesthetic is usually given. The typical D&C procedure includes the following steps:

Once you are anaesthetised, your uterus is examined to determine its size and position.
A general inspection of the vulva and walls of the vagin* is performed.
A speculum is inserted, so the walls of the vagin* can be seen.
The cervix is gently widened using surgical dilators, which allows samples to be taken from the lining of the uterus.
The samples are sent to the laboratory for investigation.

After surgery:

You will be discharged home the same day in most cases.
If you have had a general anaesthetic, you will need someone to take you home.
You will be given instructions about self-care after the procedure.
The treating team will arrange followup.

Complications of D and C

Serious complications are rare. These include damage to the uterus, cervix or other pelvic organs.
All minor procedures are accompanied by some risk.
Some women will experience a urinary tract infection.
You may have a reaction to the medications used, such as allergic reaction to the general anaesthesia.

Taking care of yourself at home after D and C

Be guided by your doctor or surgeon, but general suggestions include:

Some cramping or mild abdominal discomfort is considered usual after a D&C. See your doctor if you are concerned or in pain.
You should take any medication as advised by your doctor.
If you are taking antibiotics, make sure to take the whole course, even if you feel well.

Two weeks after your procedure, or a few days after bleeding has stopped:

Shower instead of taking a bath
Avoid sexual intercourse
Use sanitary pads instead of tampons
Avoid going swimming
If you experience any signs of infection (such as fever, pain or discharge), see your doctor immediately.

What happens next

D&C is used to help diagnose certain conditions. Long-term outlook depends on your medical history and the need for surgery.

The doctor will arrange follow up and timing will depend on the reason for the D&C and results.

Your doctor will let you know when the results of your laboratory tests (if any) are available.

Where to get help

Your doctor or general practitioner (GP) or community health centre can refer you as required
Jean Hailes for Women's Health Tel. 1800 532 642

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Reviewed on: 08-12-2020