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A common gynecological procedure, a dilation and curettage \u2014 commonly referred to as a D&C \u2014 is a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure to remove tissue from your uterus. As a diagnostic procedure, the D&C is used to obtain a tissue sample for testing. As a therapeutic procedure, it\u2019s used to remove or clean out malignant or benign growths. Both types of dilation and curettage are considered minimally invasive and has almost no recovery time needed after the procedure.<\/p>\n
A diagnostic D&C is different from a biopsy in the technique and tools used in the procedure. The end result, however, is the same: to capture a tissue sample to analyze so your doctor can reach an accurate diagnosis. A therapeutic D&C is similar to a hysteroscopy<\/u><\/a>, except again, a different instrument is used to complete the procedure. A D&C hysteroscopy combination offers a complete picture of the health of your uterus.<\/p>\n D and C\u2019s can be both diagnostic, or therapeutic<\/p>\n The primary reason to undergo a D&C is to investigate and\/or resolve a medical issue in your uterus. Some external tests, such as an ultrasound or even a pelvic exam, can\u2019t confirm or reject certain uterine conditions. Only by examining inside your uterus can the conditions be identified and therefore treated. A D&C allows for both. Symptoms precipitating a D&C include:<\/p>\n Your OBGYN examines the inside of your uterus for unusual growths, lesions or conditions. If necessary, tissue samples are taken and sent to the lab to test for uterine cancer, precancerous polyps or endometriosis. If your local doctor or gynecologist Midtown NYC<\/a> finds something, they can use the curette to remove:<\/p>\n The goal of a D&C is to remove any tissue that may be causing abnormal bleeding<\/u><\/a> and to keep your uterus healthy.<\/p>\n Your local doctor or gynecologist in NYC has likely performed hundreds, if not thousands, of dilation and curettage procedures. It\u2019s a safe, minimally invasive process with few complications. Like everything, however, there are a few risks to consider. They\u2019re rare, but still possible. Your OBGYN possibly may:<\/p>\n Using the curette, your doctor examines your uterine lining, as well as the entrance to your fallopian tubes. If necessary, the curette extracts a tissue sample or removes abnormal tissue. This is the difference between a diagnostic D&C and a therapeutic D&C.<\/p>\n Curettes can remove tissue by either cutting or through suction. To double-check the results of your D&C, your NYC gynecologist may choose to follow up the procedure with a hysteroscopy<\/u><\/a>. A post-D&C hysteroscopy provides your doctor with a clear view of the work done. Sedated, you won\u2019t feel any pain. The whole procedure may take less than 15 minutes or up to an hour to complete, depending on the severity and steps.<\/p>\n If you were administered an anesthetic or sedative, you\u2019ll need someone to drive you home. D&C is an outpatient procedure, so you\u2019ll spend your time at home recuperating. You may be sore for a day or two, but you can return to your normal activities the next day or as soon as you feel up to it. There are no long-term negative side effects from undergoing a D&C. In some cases it may even increase fertility for a short time after the procedure.<\/p>\n Immediate side effects include some mild cramping and maybe some light bleeding and spotting. You should not feel any cramps from the procedure after a couple days or bleeding longer than two weeks. You can take over-the-counter medications for pain when you get home as instructed by your doctor, but your pain should improve to the point that it disappears over the next few days.<\/p>\n Do not insert anything into your vagina while you heal from the procedure. Even a fresh tampon can cause an infection. If you notice a bad-smelling vaginal discharge or experience excessive bleeding after D&C, contact your doctor immediately.<\/p>\n The recovery after a D&C is minimal<\/p>\n To be on the safe side, wait about a week before having sex after D&C. If you have to return for a follow-up to your OBGYN, you can ask your doctor for confirmation when it\u2019s safe to resume sexual intercourse.<\/p>\n If pregnancy is your goal, talk to your Midtown gynecologist or a fertility specialist to understand what effects the D&C had on your ability to get pregnant. Ask when you can expect to be ready to resume trying.<\/p>\n Important Reminder:<\/b> This information is only intended to provide guidance, not definitive medical advice. Please consult ob gyn in Manhattan<\/a> about your specific condition. Only a trained, experienced gynecologist can determine an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment.<\/p>\nWhy You May Need a D&C<\/h2>\n
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The Risks of a D&C<\/h2>\n
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The D&C Procedure<\/h2>\n
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\nYou prepare for the procedure as you would for a pelvic exam. After the anesthesia or sedation kicks in and you go to sleep, your doctor can begin by inserting a speculum into your vagina to gain access to your cervix. To dilate your cervix, either a medication or a series of dilation rods are used until your cervix is open wide enough for your doctor to get to your uterus.<\/p>\nRecovery After D&C<\/h2>\n
Issues with Pregnancy After D&C<\/h2>\n