Who needs a dilation and curettage (D&C?)
You may need a D&C if you have or had:
- It was a miscarriage.
- Abortion leftover tissue in your uterus.
- Bleeding between menstrual periods that is not explained.
A D&C and hysteroscopy are occasionally performed. Your provider will implant a device into your cervix to view the inside of your uterus during this procedure. If your clinician is attempting to diagnose an issue, you may have a hysteroscopy with a D&C.
What happens before a dilation and curettage (D&C)?
Before performing the D&C, your practitioner may use a laminaria stick to widen your cervix. This small rod is inserted into your cervix and left there for several hours.
While the laminaria stick is within, you can stand up and wander around. The laminaria stick absorbs cervical fluid. When this occurs, your cervix opens, allowing access to your uterus.