Dilatation And Curettage (D&C)
What is dilatation and curettage (D&C)?
D&C is opening the cervix and removing the lining and/or contents of the uterus.
When is a D&C performed?
D&C may be performed:
1. to diagnose or control abnormal bleeding from inside the uterus.
2. for incomplete miscarriage.
3. for elective abortion.
How is a D&C performed?
A speculum is placed into the vagina and a local anesthetic is used to numb the cervix. The tissue is
removed with either a suction machine or a curette. The total procedure takes approximately 15
minutes and is usually done in the outpatient clinic or office. If general anesthetic is needed, the
procedure is done in the hospital.
What can I expect?
During the procedure you will experience some cramping.
What are the risks?
Most women do not experience any serious side effects from this procedure. However, very rarely,
complications can occur. These include damage to other pelvic organs, pelvic infection or excessive
bleeding. Rarely, these complications may make further surgery necessary.
Insurance Coverage and Copayments
Most insurance plans pay for this procedure. However, if you have Medi-Cal insurance or are an HMO
member, you should contact your insurance provider about whether or not you need to obtain
authorization before having the procedure.
If your D&C is an elective procedure, the co-payment may be higher than your usual copayment.
Check with your insurance provider regarding the copayment for an elective D&C.
If the procedure to being done for a miscarriage or abortion, and if your blood type is negative,
MicRhogam will need to be administered; there may be an additional charge for this.
Planning Ahead
Since space in the waiting area is limited, please bring only one person to with you on the day of the
procedure (i.e., your driver). If you have children, please make arrangements for childcare ahead of
time. Again, space is limited and it is not safe to leave children in the waiting area.
For use at home you will need a supply of sanitary pads. You may also want to have Advil and a
heating pad for cramps.
Preparing for Your Procedure
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Bathe in the morning on the day of your procedure.
Wear comfortable clothes and socks to keep your feet warm.
You should eat a light meal prior to your procedure, rather than heavy foods or a large meal.
PH464 (05/2004)
After Your Dilation And Curettage (D&C)
Activity:
You need to rest as much as possible the first day or two; no exercising or
strenuous activity for 48 hours. You must avoid heavy lifting and exercises that can
aggravate bleeding and cramping, and prolong your recovery. Begin regular activities
when you feel comfortable.
Bleeding:
Bleeding which follows this type of procedure is often irregular, lasting from one day to
several weeks, and will vary with each woman. It may be as heavy as a normal period,
or light and spotty. Some women have no bleeding at all, and many start after several
days. It is common to pass blood clots the size of a 50¢ piece or smaller. Don’t be
alarmed if bleeding and clotting increase after 4-5 days; this is normal as long as the
bleeding and clotting slow down over time. At no time should the bleeding be heavy
enough to soak more than 1 maxi-pad per hour.
Cramping:
Following this procedure, cramping is normal and indicates that your uterus is returning
to its normal size. Sometimes cramping is caused by blood clots passing through the
cervix. Cramping will vary with each woman, and can usually be relieved by rest, a
heating pad, Tylenol or Advil, or massaging the lower abdomen. If cramping becomes
severe and you are unable to manage the pain, call the clinic.
Fever:
If you are not feeling well, take your temperature. If you have taken a pain reliever such
as Tylenol or Advil, wait 2-3 hours before taking your temperature. If you have a fever
above 100.4°, call the clinic.
Restrictions:
You are more at risk for infection following this procedure. Nothing should be put into
your vagina for two weeks; do not use tampons, douche or have intercourse until your
post-procedure check-up. You may shower, but do not take tub baths, swim or go in a
jacuzzi for one week.
Birth Control: Birth control methods can be obtained at the time of the procedure or at your follow-up
exam. If you choose to take birth control pills, you will be given instructions on when to
start taking them. It is very important to take the pills even if you have some bleeding.
Please do not stop taking your birth control pills without checking with your clinic.
It is very important that you have a post-procedure check-up and birth control review two weeks
after the procedure. Your appointment is scheduled for ________________________________ at:
❒ Ambulatory Care Center, OB/Gyn Clinic - Hillcrest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(619) 543-7878
❒ Perlman Ambulatory Care Center, Reproductive Medicine Clinic - La Jolla . . . . . (858) 657-8560
Call the clinic if you have any questions or unexpected symptoms. If you have a problem that you feel
is an emergency and the clinic is closed, call the UCSD Page Operator at (619) 543-6737 and ask
for the GYN doctor on-call.
I have received written and verbal instructions. I agree to do the following:
1. Take all of my antibiotics.
2. Call immediately, day or night, if I have:
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Fever over 100.4° (do not guess, it is important that you actually take your
temperature)
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Heavy bleeding – soaking more than 1 maxi-pad in an hour or less or passing clots
larger than the size of a 50¢ piece
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Severe pain that is not relieved by an analgesic (Tylenol or Ibuprofen)
Patient’s Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ________________
Nurse giving instructions: ________________________________ Date: ________________