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Purposes

What is a D&C used for?

A D&C is often used for the diagnosis and/or treatment of a long list of problems which are suspected or identified within a woman’s uterus. Some reasons are: miscarriage (spontaneous abortion), postpartum hemorrhage, retained placental pieces, elective pregnancy termination (elective abortion), diagnosis of cancer, removal of polyps, endometrial sampling, and to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding. A suction D&C may be reasonable for pregnancy termination or treatment of incomplete miscarriage. Sharp curettage is most often performed as a diagnostic procedure for abnormal uterine bleeding or to treat acute uterine hemorrhage unrelated to pregnancy. Its accuracy in diagnosing the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding is poor unless it is combines with hysteroscopy (looking in the uterus with a small telescope). Furthermore, no studies have shown any long term benefit of blind D&C in treating abnormal bleeding.

If a woman may desire to become pregnant in the future, and especially to have a pregnancy which is likely to be successful and uncomplicated, there may be appropriate alternatives to this surgery which are less invasive and thus offer less risk. Don’t submit to having a D&C without educating yourself on alternatives, because it, like most invasive procedures, can lead to complications such as uterine scarring and a reduction in fertility.