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D & C - Dilatation and Curettage

Home Care and Complications

What happens later at home?

A D&C is considered minor surgery. No cutting or stitches are needed. Afterwards, a woman:

  • may go back to normal activities the next day. If only local numbing medicine was used and no sedatives were given, a woman can return to regular activities within a few hours.
  • may be sleepy for several hours if she had general anesthesia. People should not drive or use heavy machinery for 24 hours after having general or total anesthesia.
  • may have cramps and vaginal bleeding or spotting. This is considered normal after the procedure.
  • may take pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for discomfort.
  • should not put anything into her vagina for about 1 to 2 weeks. This includes tampons, douches, and having sexual intercourse. Avoiding these will help to prevent infections.

    • What are the potential complications after the procedure?

    Though uncommon, the complications of D&C may include:

  • reactions to medicines, such as anesthesia, pain relievers and antibiotics
  • problems with the anesthetic, such as allergies or other reactions and difficulty waking up or breathing
  • heavy vaginal bleeding or passage of clots
  • infection of the uterine lining, pelvic organs or the surrounding area
  • developing a hole in the uterus
  • scarring of the uterus from too much scraping
  • damage to the cervix

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