What Really Happens During a D&C Procedure?🤔

D&C (dilation and curettage) is a common gynecologic procedure in which the cervix is gently opened (dilated) and tissue is removed from the inner lining of the uterus (the endometrium) using a curette or suction device. What it is used for It serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes: • Investigating abnormal uterine bleeding (heavy periods, irregular bleeding, bleeding after menopause) by obtaining endometrial tissue for microscopic examination to check for hyperplasia, polyps, or cancer. • Clearing retained tissue after a miscarriage or incomplete abortion to reduce the risk of infection and heavy bleeding. • Removing residual placental tissue after childbirth. • First-trimester pregnancy termination (when suction/aspiration is often used). • Treating certain cases of heavy bleeding or removing endometrial polyps. It is frequently combined with hysteroscopy (a thin camera inserted into the uterus) for better visualization. How it is performed The procedure is usually outpatient and takes only a few minutes once anesthesia is in place. 1. Anesthesia is given (options range from local paracervical block ± sedation to regional or general anesthesia, depending on the indication and setting). 2. The patient is positioned with legs in stirrups. A speculum is inserted to visualize the cervix, which is then stabilized (often with a tenaculum). 3. The cervix is dilated gradually using sequential dilators of increasing diameter (or sometimes prepared in advance with medication such as misoprostol or osmotic dilators). Only modest dilation is typically required. 4. A sharp curette is used to systematically scrape the uterine walls, or—more commonly today—a plastic or metal suction cannula connected to vacuum is used to aspirate the tissue. The tissue is often sent for pathology. Recovery is generally quick: mild cramping and light spotting or bleeding for days to a couple of weeks are common. Most people resume normal activities within 1–2 days, though sexual intercourse and tampon use are usually deferred for 1–2 weeks to lower infection risk. Serious complications (uterine perforation, infection, significant bleeding, or rare intrauterine adhesions known as Asherman syndrome) are uncommon. D&C is one of the most frequently performed procedures in obstetrics and gynecology. It can feel clinical and straightforward in some contexts and deeply emotional in others—especially when linked to pregnancy loss. The same technical steps can address very different clinical situations. What part of this still feels unclear or surprising to you? Have you encountered myths about fertility impact, recovery, or when it’s truly needed?

Learning never stops

I’m sure it’s not the first time you’re hearing about this Kaine🌚

I had one as a teen for heavy periods… I got no pain medicine… I was told to hold still and it might sting a bit.. lol… and it didn’t help.

Did it sting a little or so much?

Hurt like hell… glad things have changed if they are giving pain meds now.

Good useful information

You’re welcome Happy to share

Funny 😂

does it hurt?

A mild anesthetic is usually administered before the procedure

This really incredible

the vacuum aspiration part is what most people don't realize is involved, they just hear the name and assume it's different from what it actually is

What myths have you heard about the procedure?

What is D&C proceedure ?

It is explained in the video

The animation makes the dilation and suction part a lot less mysterious. That can really help when the word “procedure” starts doing too much in your head.

what were you thinking initially??

Thanks for the clear, no-nonsense breakdown, both the animation and the written explanation make the whole process far less intimidating. It’s especially useful to see how the same steps can serve diagnostic purposes (like checking abnormal bleeding) or therapeutic ones (clearing retained tissue after miscarriage), and that serious complications are uncommon with proper care. The reminder that recovery is usually quick helps cut through a lot of the quiet worry people carry about it.

@Obajimi I'm happy to share Sir

First time seeing this procedure

Really? I thought you would’ve

No

wow!

Terlalu rumit saya tidak mampu

Wow 😮

Have you heard of the term before???

Nice video

Funny 😂

Ouch!

Amazing 😍

Amazing 😍