A dilation and curettage procedure, also called a D&C, is a surgical procedure in which the cervix (lower, narrow part of the uterus)
is dilated (expanded) so that the uterine lining (endometrium) can be scraped with a curette (spoon-shaped instrument) to remove abnormal tissues
.
How long does it take to recover from a D&C?
Post-D&C recovery time for a D&C procedure varies per patient but it’s typical to rest for
2-3 days after
your D&C surgery. You should be able to resume your normal activities after your rest period. You may also be instructed to take off a full week if pain and discomfort is keeping you from your normal activities.
Is a D&C painful?
The procedure shouldn’t be painful
. However, you may experience some cramping during the procedure. Your doctor may order some type of sedative for you to take beforehand so that you’ll be more relaxed.
Do they give you anesthesia for a D&C?
For dilation and curettage,
you’ll receive anesthesia
. The choice of anesthesia depends on the reason for the D&C and your medical history. General anesthesia makes you unconscious and unable to feel pain.
How serious is a D&C?
Potential for Serious Complications
Having a D&C can sometimes lead
to heavy bleeding, infection, and uterine or bowel puncture
. The procedure has also been associated with a rare condition called Asherman syndrome in which bands of scar tissue (adhesions) form in the uterine cavity.
How much does a D&C cost 2020?
Medical cost site Healthcare Bluebook estimates that, before insurance, costs for a procedure called a dilation and curettage (D&C)—which surgically clears the uterine lining after a first trimester miscarriage—can range anywhere from
$2,400 to upwards of $7,500
.
Is bleeding 5 days after D&C Normal?
Sometimes women experience an episode of heavy bleeding and cramps
4-6 days after the D&C
. If this happens, lie down and rest. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) or Tylenol, rest, and a hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen are helpful for relieving cramps.
How long does it take for uterine lining to rebuild after D&C?
On average, it can be
around two weeks to six weeks
after a D&C, but the time will vary for each person.
Do you gain weight after D&C?
Doctor’s response
Certainly a woman can get tired from blood loss that is due to the procedure. Sore breasts, fatigue and weight gain are all characteristics of hormonal changes that occur as a result of pregnancy.
Is bleeding 2 weeks after D&C Normal?
Bleeding may be light or heavy; you should not soak more than 2 maxi-pads an hour for 2 or more hours in a row. Bleeding usually lasts about
2 to 4 weeks
. You may not have bleeding for a few days right after your procedure, and then bleeding (as heavy as a period) may begin around the 3rd to 5th day.
How much are you dilated for a D&C?
If your cervix needs to be dilated (opened), this will be done by inserting a series of rods through the cervical opening. Each rod will be slightly larger than the last one. Usually only a small amount of dilation is needed (
less than one half inch in diameter
).
Is a catheter used during a D&C?
A healthcare provider may start an intravenous (IV) line in your arm or hand. A healthcare provider will insert a
urinary catheter
. Your healthcare provider will insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to spread the walls of the vagina apart to expose the cervix.
Do they give you pain meds after a D&C?
Pain Management
After a D&C patients tend to experience some discomfort such as cramping and/or pain. This is normal. Your doctor may recommend
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Motrin or Ibuprofen
to manage your pain.
Is a D&C an abortion?
During pregnancy or postpartum
The World Health Organization recommends D&C with a sharp curette as a method of
surgical abortion
only when manual vacuum aspiration with a suction curette is unavailable.
Does D&C affect future pregnancy?
Can you have a successful pregnancy after a D&C? Your body is amazing at healing itself, which means that
having a D&C likely won’t harm your chances of having a healthy pregnancy in the future
.
Is it better to miscarry naturally or D&C?
A D&C is a routine & safe procedure but does include risks of uterine perforation, infection and adhesions (these are rare)
2
. With a natural miscarriage, there is a risk you may end up needing a D&C in the long run.
After 10 weeks, a natural miscarriage is more likely to be incomplete
, requiring a D&C
3
.
