Dilation And Curettage (D&C)

A treatment to clean your uterus and
encourage development of a new lining

Introduction to Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Dilatation and Curettage is a gynaecological procedure in which your cervix is opened (dilated) and a thin instrument is inserted into your uterus to remove tissue from inside (curettage) to test for any abnormalities or to treat known conditions.

A Hysteroscopy may also be performed at the same time. When used as a treatment, the process helps to clean your uterus, enabling it to develop a new lining, to prepare it in order to proceed with a further fertility treatment.

Who Can Undergo the D&C Procedure?

We may recommend this procedure to help diagnose and treat any condition that affects the uterus, such as abnormal bleeding or for women who suffer with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or have cervical or uterine polyps. It can also be carried out after an incomplete or missed miscarriage to remove any retained tissue which can have adverse health implications for the woman.

How Does the Dilation and Curettage Process Work?

During the procedure, we will need to dilate your cervix. We will provide sedation/local anaesthesia throughout to alleviate any discomfort. Once your cervix has dilated sufficiently, our consultant will use a surgical instrument called a curette to remove the uterine tissue.

What's Next After the D&C Procedure?

After the procedure, you will be able to go home within a few hours. You will need someone to take you home and you should be able to resume most of your normal activities. Your consultant will advise you how long you will need to abstain from intercourse or using tampons whilst your cervix and uterus recovers.

What Are the Side-Effects or Risks of This Procedure?

Pain after this procedure is usually mild but you may experience spotting or light bleeding and your next menstrual period may be early or late. Complications arising may include heavy bleeding or infection until your cervix returns to its normal size as bacteria from your vagina can enter the uterus. In infection usually presents as fever, pain in your abdomen or foul-smelling discharge from your vagina. In very rare instances, the uterine wall is perforated during curettage.

If at any time you are concerned about this treatment or your symptoms after this minor gynaecological surgery, please contact the clinic for advice.

Treatments

Find out more about our related services

Why Choose Us?

Here are some facts about your fertility journey with us that we’d like to share with you:

Every evaluation and treatment plan is uniquely tailored to meet your individual needs

You will have access to leading professionals, with over 35 years combined expertise, providing you with confidence and reassurance in your fertility diagnosis and subsequent treatment

Our multidisciplinary team includes specialists in fertility, urology, nutrition, counselling, genetics, endocrinology, haematology and weight management to provide a comprehensive range of support as and when you need it

We will work with you closely to understand your individual circumstances, identify any problems and agree with you, the best course of action to help make your dream a reality

We will always be honest and open about your chances of success with treatment.

Your comfort and care is always our top priority

Our focus remains entirely on you as an individual, your unique needs and your wellbeing

All investigations and treatments are provided within our new state-of-the-art clinic based in Elstree which offers a spacious environment with comfortable surroundings, to enhance your care and experience. We offer investigations and scans at our satellite locations too.

Our friendly consultant-led team is here to support you at every step throughout your fertility journey

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