Dilation and curettage (D & C) is a type of female surgical procedure. It consists of manually dilating, or opening, the cervix. A thin instrument called a curette is then inserted into the uterus. The end of it is shaped like a spoon in order to scrape out uterine tissue.
Very often this procedure will be combined with a hysteroscopy which is when a camera is inserted into the uterus to look for abnormal tissue.
There are several purposes for a D & C. The main one is to remove uterine cells to check for infection or cancer or to remove a cyst, polyp, fibroid, or tumor. It can help treat certain conditions, such as abnormal bleeding. D & C may be done after a miscarriage. This is if your body does not naturally expel the fetus and tissues.
After 1 or 2 days, you can return to your regular routine. You may have cramping, spotting, or light bleeding following surgery for up to six weeks. Any pain you have should be mild.
D & C may affect your menstrual cycle. Your body produces a new uterine lining after part of it gets removed. Your next monthly period may be early or late because of this.
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