Dilation and curettage (D&C) is
a procedure to remove tissue from inside your uterus
. Doctors 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.
Is D&C the same as abortion?
A D&C, or dilation and curettage, is a procedure to remove tissue from your uterus. You may need a D&C procedure if you had
a miscarriage
or abortion. Your healthcare provider can use a D&C and hysteroscopy to diagnose unexplained bleeding. A D&C is an outpatient procedure.
Is curettage a surgical operation?
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a
surgical procedure in which the cervix is opened (dilated)
and a thin instrument is inserted into the uterus. This instrument is used to remove tissue from the inside of the uterus (curettage).
Is D&C procedure 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.
Is D&C safe for abortion?
When the tissue is removed in the OR, your doctor can properly package it up to send to a lab.
It’s relatively safe
. While there are some rare (and treatable) complications that may lead to infertility, D&C is generally considered a safe procedure that will not impact your future fertility.
How many days rest after 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.
How long does it take for your cervix to heal after a D&C?
Generally, it may take
2-3 days
for complete recovery. You can resume your daily routine within 1-2 days after the procedure. Although you may be instructed not to douche, use tampons, or engage in sexual activities for 2-3 days or a period recommended by the physician after the D&C.
What are the side effects of D and C abortion?
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding or blood clots.
- Fever.
- Pain.
- Abdominal tenderness.
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina.
Are you put to sleep for a D&C?
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.
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
.
What should you not do before a D&C?
Remember that you
will not be allowed to eat or drink anything at least 8 hours
prior to your procedure so consult with you physician if you have any medications that you need to take with food. Contact lenses: If you wear contact lenses, please remove them and wear glasses to your procedure.
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.
What is the average cost of a D&C?
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 natural miscarriage better than 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
.
Which is better D&C or misoprostol?
Results:
Misoprostol
was more preferable than dilatation and curettage D&C in both 2010 and 2014, with percentages of 79.30% and 69.57%, respectively.
Is D and C necessary after early miscarriage?
About 50% of women who miscarry do not undergo a D&C procedure. Women can safely miscarry on their own with few problems in pregnancies that end before 10 weeks.
After 10 weeks, the miscarriage is more likely to be incomplete, requiring a D&C procedure
.
