The lining of the uterus can be the source of reproductive conditions that can cause pain or risk a woman’s health. To examine or remove the uterine lining, a procedure called dilation & curettage (D&C) may be performed. This gynecology procedure can be used as a diagnostic tool or a treatment, depending on the situation. Our GYN specialists at FEM Women’s Wellness perform dilation and curettage procedures at our facility in the Reno, Carson City and Lake Tahoe, NV, area.
Diagnostic D&C
If a woman is having irregular or heavy periods or bleeding, or pelvic pain, exploring the uterus is often recommended. Taking samples of the uterine lining can reveal if there are cancerous or pre-cancerous cells in the uterine lining or other conditions like polyps. A biopsy is usually used to take uterine lining samples, but if more tissue is needed, a diagnostic dilation and curettage procedure may be performed.
Conditions Treated by D&C
More commonly, dilation and curettage procedures are used for treatment of female reproductive conditions. D&C procedures include dilating the cervix with tools or medications to access the uterus, then using a tool called a curette to remove the uterine lining. This is performed in a surgical room and may be used for treatment in the following circumstances:
- Removing uterine lining and placenta after child birth
- Remove uterine tissue after a miscarriage or abortion
- To clear polyps from the uterus
- To remove tumors from a molar pregnancy
Performing a D&C after a miscarriage or abortion can help prevent infection or heavy bleeding. It also is used to stop heavy bleeding after delivery. During a dilation and curettage procedure, other exploration and tests may be performed to check for any abnormalities in the uterus.
D&C procedures are minimally invasive but will require a few days of recovery while the uterus heals. The procedure is performed under anesthesia, so patients do not have any pain while it is completed. Mild cramping and light bleeding are expected for 1-2 days after the procedure.
If you need a dilation and curettage procedure performed in the Reno or Lake Tahoe, NV, area, contact our GYN specialists at FEM Women’s Wellness.