Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

D & C is a procedure to collect the tissue (endometrium) from inside the uterus. Dilatation (“D”) is the manual widening of the cervix to allow instruments into the uterus. Curettage (“C”) is the collection of the contents of the uterus using an instrument called curettage or a suction catheter.

D & C is a minor office procedure. The procedure may be performed in the hospital or in a clinic using general or local anesthesia.

Why Is It Done

1. Diagnose conditions using the tissue samples collected ( biopsies )
2. Treat irregular or heavy bleeding
3. Remove fetal or placental tissue -- used for some elective or therapeutic abortions and to remove any remaining tissue after a spontaneous abortion ( miscarriage)

D and C may be recommended for:

• Bleeding between periods
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Endometrial polyps
• Uterine cancer (early diagnosis)
• Thickening of the uterus (endometrial hyperplasia )
• An embedded IUD (intrauterine device)
• Therapeutic or elective abortion
• Miscarriage
• Postmenopausal bleeding, or abnormal bleeding while taking hormone replacement therapy medications