Dilation and Curettage (D&C) at Minnerva Clinic

A D&C is a versatile procedure that can be used for both diagnosis (finding out what’s wrong) and treatment (fixing a problem). Your doctor may recommend a D&C for several reasons related to your uterine health:

This procedure may be recommended to:

• Remove leftover tissue after a miscarriage: Sadly, after a miscarriage, sometimes not all the pregnancy tissue passes out of the uterus naturally. A D&C can gently and thoroughly remove any remaining tissue, which helps prevent infection and heavy bleeding.
• Manage heavy or prolonged bleeding: If you're experiencing unusually heavy periods or bleeding that lasts much longer than it should, a D&C can help remove the excess uterine lining that might be causing this, offering immediate relief.
• Clear thickened uterine lining (especially in PCOS or menopause): Hormonal imbalances, common in conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or during menopause, can cause the uterine lining (endometrium) to become abnormally thick. A D&C can effectively remove this thickened lining.
• Diagnose uterine conditions (with biopsy or lab testing): When tissue is removed during a D&C, it is almost always sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. This helps diagnose conditions such as:
  • Endometrial hyperplasia: A condition where the lining is too thick and may have abnormal cells.
  • Polyps: Non-cancerous growths on the uterine lining that can cause bleeding.
  • Early signs of abnormal or cancerous cells: A D&C can sometimes help detect early signs of uterine cancer.
• Clear small polyps or early growths: If small, non-cancerous growths (like polyps) are identified within the uterus and are causing symptoms, a D&C can remove them.

By carefully removing or sampling the uterine lining, a D&C provides valuable information for diagnosis and offers direct relief for bleeding issues.

Understanding the steps involved in a D&C can help you feel more prepared and less anxious. At Minnerva Clinic, we ensure every part of the process is explained clearly and carried out with the utmost care.

Here’s a general overview of how the procedure is performed:

• You will be admitted for a short stay (usually day-care): A D&C is typically a day-care procedure. You will come to the clinic or hospital, have the procedure, and go home on the same day.
• Preparation: Before the procedure, you’ll change into a gown. An IV line might be placed in your arm if you are receiving general anesthesia.
• The procedure is done under local or short general anesthesia: You will be given medication to ensure you feel no pain or discomfort during the procedure.
• Positioning: You will lie on your back with your feet in stirrups, similar to a regular gynecological exam.
• Gentle opening of the cervix (Dilation): Your doctor will first clean the cervix and vagina, then use a series of thin rods to slowly and carefully widen the opening.
• Removal of the lining (Curettage): Once the cervix is opened, your doctor will use a small instrument (curette) or a suction device to gently remove the uterine lining.
• The tissue is sent to a lab for testing if needed: Any tissue removed is collected and sent to a pathology laboratory for a precise diagnosis.

Throughout the entire process, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Our team will keep you informed and supported.

Recovery after a D&C is generally quick and straightforward. Here’s what you can typically expect:

• Light bleeding or spotting may last for 2–3 days: It's common to have some light vaginal bleeding. You should use sanitary pads, not tampons.
• Mild cramping: You might experience mild, period-like cramping for a day or two, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
• Rest for 1–2 days is advised: It’s a good idea to take it easy for a day or two. Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting.
• Avoid intercourse or tampons for 5–7 days: To reduce the risk of infection and allow your cervix to close fully.
• Painkillers or antibiotics may be given if needed: Your doctor might prescribe mild painkillers or a short course of antibiotics to prevent infection.
• Follow-up visit scheduled within a week: We will arrange a follow-up appointment to check on your recovery and discuss your lab results.

Our team will provide you with detailed post-procedure instructions and will be available to answer any questions.

You can be reassured that a D&C, when performed by trained and experienced specialists, is considered a safe and common gynecological procedure.

At Minnerva Clinic, we prioritize your safety and well-being through every step:

• We use sterile technique: All instruments and the procedure environment are kept meticulously clean to minimize any risk of infection.
• Monitor for all vitals: Our medical team closely monitors your vital signs throughout the procedure and during your recovery.
• Performed by highly experienced gynecologists: Our clinic is led by Dr. Pragya Gupta, ensuring the procedure is performed with precision and expertise.
• Provide take-home recovery instructions: You'll receive clear, written instructions on how to care for yourself and when to contact us.
• Rare risks are discussed beforehand: While safe, very rare potential risks like infection, heavy bleeding, uterine perforation, or scarring (Asherman's Syndrome) will be openly discussed with you.

We take every precaution to ensure your D&C is performed safely and effectively.