D and C is a procedure to scrape and collect the tissue (endometrium) from inside the uterus.
D and C, also called uterine scraping, may be performed in the hospital or in a clinic while you are under general or local anesthesia.
The health care provider will insert an instrument called a speculum into the vagina. This holds open the vaginal canal. Numbing medicine may be applied to the opening to the uterus (cervix).
The cervical canal is widened using a metal rod, and a curette (a metal loop on the end of a long, thin handle) is passed through the opening into the uterus cavity. The doctor gently scrapes the inner layer of tissue, called the endometrium. The tissue is collected for examination.
This procedure may be done to:
Your doctor may also recommend a D and C if you have:
This list may not be all-inclusive.
Risks related to D and C include:
Risks due to anesthesia include:
Risks of any surgery include:
D and C has few risks. It can provide relief from bleeding, and can help diagnose infection, cancer, and other diseases.
You may return to normal activities as soon as you feel better, possibly even the same day. There may be vaginal bleeding, as well as pelvic cramps and back pain for a few days after the procedure.
You can usually manage pain well with medications. Tampon use and sexual intercourse are not recommended for 1 - 2 weeks after this procedure.
Dilatation and curettage; Uterus scraping