About this topic
The uterus or womb is the organ where a baby grows when you are pregnant. You get rid of the lining of the uterus each time you have your period. Sometimes, the lining needs to be scraped out. Doctors call the procedure a dilation and curettage or a D and C. You may need to have a D and C to: ‚
- Remove polyps from the uterus
- Remove a birth control device
- Remove a part of the placenta after you have a baby if part of the placenta does not come out by itself
- Empty the womb after a miscarried pregnancy
- Check the lining of the womb for diseases or infection
- Understand why you are having heavy periods or bleeding that is not normal. You may be having pain in your pelvis or your uterus may be larger than a normal uterus.
Dilation means the opening to the womb or cervix is stretched. Curettage is the scraping of the lining. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you understand everything the doctor says so you will know what you need to do.
- It is normal to have vaginal bleeding for a few weeks. You may use sanitary napkins, but not tampons.
- Ask your doctor when you may douche, use tampons, or have sexual contact.
- Talk to your doctor about when you may take a tub bath, go swimming, or use a hot tub.
- Talk to your doctor about when it is safe for you to go back to your normal activities like work, driving, and sex.
- Your doctor may give you antibiotics. Take the drugs as ordered.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Ask your doctor when you can get the results. Discuss the results with your doctor. Together you can make a plan for further care.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent infection
Will physical activity be limited?
Rest for the first few days after the procedure. Avoid strenuous activities like heavy lifting and hard workouts. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Harm to the cervix
- Scarring of the lining of the uterus
- Infection
- Bleeding
- A hole in the uterus from the tools used during the procedure
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection like a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, pain with passing urine, or bad smelling drainage from the vagina.
- Very bad belly pain
- Heavy bleeding
- Upset stomach and throwing up
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my procedure.
- I can tell you how much vaginal bleeding is normal and what I can use for it.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a bad smell coming from my vagina.
Where can I learn more?
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq062.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20120217T1424304657 ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Dilatation-and-curettage-(DC)/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚