Dilation & Curettage (D&C)

About the procedure

A D&C is a surgical procedure used for a planned termination of pregnancy (surgical abortion). It’s also sometimes needed after a natural miscarriage, when the uterus hasn’t fully emptied on its own.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about fifteen minutes. In the earlier stages of pregnancy (up to week 15), it’s done using vacuum aspiration. Later than that, a surgical instrument is used to gently clear the uterine cavity.

The risks involved in a D&C are generally low, and serious complications are quite rare. Our medical team will walk you through exactly what to expect beforehand, with all the sensitivity and gentleness the moment calls for.

עוד

Everything you need to know

Preparing for the procedure
  • Come fasting — no food or drink from the morning of the procedure.
  • You won’t be able to drive after the anesthesia, so please arrange for someone to accompany you, or plan another way to get home.
  • Please arrive exactly at your scheduled time, and not later — this lets the team prepare properly and begin gradually softening and opening the cervix with medication. Before the procedure begins, you’ll have a general check-up, a gynecological exam by a gynecologist, and an ultrasound.
  • It’s very important to tell your doctor in advance about any medications you take regularly and about any drug sensitivities or allergies. Please raise this with your doctor early on, so that if needed, they can advise you to stop certain medications a few days before the procedure.
  • Before the procedure, please remove any jewelry and makeup, and empty your bladder.
  • A D&C is performed under general anesthesia by a gynecological surgeon.
  • Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, the appropriate instrument is inserted into the uterine cavity and used to aspirate and clear it completely.
  • Once the procedure is over, you’ll be moved to recovery under the care of the medical and nursing staff. Recovery takes around an hour or more, as needed. After that you’ll remain in day hospitalization for a few more hours, and then be discharged to go home.
  • Be sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids, especially during the first 24 hours.
  • In the first few days you may feel cramping as the uterus contracts, along with some bleeding. This eases off gradually over the course of a few days to about two weeks. You can take pain relief as directed by your doctor.
  • Use sanitary pads only (no tampons) until the bleeding has stopped.
  • Depending on your doctor’s instructions, you may also be given antibiotics to prevent infection.
  • Come back for a follow-up with your treating doctor after two weeks. If you’re hoping to become pregnant after the D&C, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor.
  • If you develop a fever in the days after the procedure
  • If you feel severe pain, or pain that keeps getting worse
  • If there’s heavy bleeding, or bleeding that continues for more than 10 days

Important to know

  • Members of all HMOs may come without Form 17.

Dilation & Curettage (D&C) team

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