D and C

Dilatation and curettage; Uterus scraping; Vaginal bleeding - dilation; Uterine bleeding - dilation; Menopause - dilation

D and C, also called uterine scraping, may be performed in the hospital or in a clinic while you are under general or local anesthesia.

The health care provider will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. This holds open the vaginal canal. Numbing medicine may be applied to the opening to the uterus (cervix).

The cervical canal is widened, and a curette (a metal loop on the end of a long, thin handle) is passed through the opening into the uterus cavity. The provider gently scrapes the inner layer of tissue, called the endometrium. The tissue is collected for examination.

This procedure may be done to:

• Diagnose or rule out conditions such as uterine cancer
• Remove tissue after a miscarriage
• Treat heavy menstrual bleeding, irregular periods, or bleeding between periods
• Perform a therapeutic or elective abortion

Your provider may also recommend a D and C if you have:

• Abnormal bleeding while you are on hormone replacement therapy
• An embedded intrauterine device (IUD)
• Bleeding after menopause
• Endometrial polyps (small lumps of tissue on the endometrium)
• Thickening of the uterus

This list may not include all possible reasons for a D and C.

Risks related to D and C include:

• Puncture of the uterus
• Scarring of the uterine lining (Asherman syndrome, may lead to infertility later)
• Tear of the cervix

Risks due to anesthesia include:

• Reactions to medicines
• Problems breathing

Risks of any surgery include:

• Bleeding
• Infection

The D and C procedure has few risks. It can provide relief from bleeding and can help diagnose cancer and other diseases.

You may return to your normal activities as soon as you feel better, possibly even the same day.

You may have vaginal bleeding, pelvic cramps, and back pain for a few days after the procedure. You can usually manage pain well with medicines. Avoid using tampons and having sexual intercourse for 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure.