What you can expect

During the procedure

For dilation and curettage, you'll receive anesthesia. The choice of anesthesia depends on the reason for the D&C and your medical history.

During the procedure:

• You lie on your back on an exam table while your heels rest in supports called stirrups.
• Your provider inserts an instrument called a speculum into your vagina, as during a Pap test, to see your cervix.
• Your provider inserts a series of increasingly thick rods into your cervix to slowly dilate it until it's open enough.
• Your provider removes the dilation rods and inserts a spoon-shaped instrument with a sharp edge or a suction device and removes uterine tissue.

Because you're either unconscious or sedated during a D&C, you shouldn't feel any discomfort.

After the procedure

You'll likely spend a few hours in a recovery room after the D&C so that you can be monitored for heavy bleeding or other complications. This also gives you time to recover from the effects of anesthesia.

Typical side effects of a D&C can last a few days and include:

• Mild cramping
• Spotting or light bleeding

For discomfort from cramping, your provider might suggest taking ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or another medication.

You should be able to resume your activities within a day or two.

To prevent infection, don't put anything in your vagina until your provider says it's OK. Ask when you can use tampons and resume sexual activity.

Your uterus must build a new lining after a D&C, so your next period might be early or late. If you had a D&C because of a miscarriage, and you want to become pregnant, talk with your provider about when it's safe to start trying again.