Dilation and Curettage: Before Your Procedure

What is dilation and curettage?

Dilation and curettage is a type of procedure. It is often called a D&C. It removes tissue from inside your uterus. The doctor may do this to find out if the tissue is not normal. Or it might be done to stop severe bleeding.

During a D&C, the cervix is opened gently so that tissue can be removed, usually with a scraping or suction tool. A D&C may be done in a hospital or clinic.

The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will probably go home the same day.

How do you prepare for the procedure?

Procedures can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

	You may go to your doctor's office on the day before the procedure. Your doctor may put a small sponge in your cervix or tablets behind your cervix. This helps to open it. Or the doctor may give you a pill to help open the cervix.
	Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
	Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
	If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your procedure. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
	Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your procedure. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.
	Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don't have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It's a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

What happens on the day of the procedure?

Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking. If you don't, your procedure may be canceled. If your doctor told you to take your medicines on the day of the procedure, take them with only a sip of water.

Take a bath or shower before you come in for your procedure. Do not apply lotions, perfumes, deodorants, or nail polish.

Take off all jewelry and piercings. And take out contact lenses, if you wear them.

At the hospital or surgery center

Bring a picture ID.

You will be kept comfortable and safe by your anesthesia provider. You may get medicine that relaxes you or puts you in a light sleep.

The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

When should you call your doctor?

You have questions or concerns.

You don't understand how to prepare for your procedure.

You become ill before the procedure (such as fever, flu, or a cold).

You need to reschedule or have changed your mind about having the procedure.

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.