HealthSquare.com

Your Prescription Drug Destination

See all our sites for your special health needs at www.HealthCentral.com

HealthSquare > Conditions and Treatments > Alpha Index > D > Dilatation and Curettage

Dilatation and Curettage

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

During dilatation (dill-uh-TA-shun) and curettage (CURE-eh-tazh)--also called a D & C--the lining of the uterus is scraped to remove tissue. The procedure is usually done to find out the cause of abnormal periods, to end a pregnancy, or to treat an incomplete abortion or miscarriage. After a D & C, you may have bleeding from the uterus for a few days, cramping, and some back or pelvic pain.

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

Remember These Pointers After You Leave

Do not douche, use tampons, or have sex for 2 weeks or until your doctor gives you the okay.
You may go back to work or resume normal activities in 2 to 4 days.
You may begin eating or drinking as soon as you feel like it.

Call Your Doctor If...

You have really bad pain that does not go away after taking medicine.
You have a temperature greater than 99.6 degrees F (37.5 degrees C).
You have heavy vaginal bleeding that gets worse instead of better.
You have a vaginal discharge that smells bad.
You get signs of infection such as headache, muscle aches, or dizziness, or you just feel sick.

Return to top

Email this page |

Printer friendly |

Bookmark this page

HealthCentral.com

Answer questions, check symptoms, find resources

Take action, achieve goals, resolve a problem

New! Learning Disabilities Site

Introducing FriendsOfQuinn.com, where young adults and caregives can get support and resources on learning disabilities. Check out FriendsOfQuinn.com today!

PR Newswire

Featured Advertiser Links

Note: All clinical content on this site is physician-reviewed, except material generated by our community members.

Featuring Content From:

By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on HealthSquare.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional mediscal care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2004-2009. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. All rights reserved.

HealthSquare.com

Dilatation and Curettage

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW