Clinical Services: Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

What is a D&C?

D&C is short for Dilation and Curettage, but the term is often used to mean any surgical procedure to remove the contents of the uterus (womb) when a pregnancy has failed or when pregnancy tissue remains after a miscarriage or abortion. It is a simple, safe day-surgery procedure and is one of the most common surgical procedures in Australia.

While you are at the clinic

Expect to spend at least 4 hours at the clinic.

You will have a consultation with both a nurse and a doctor.

• We will ask about your medical history, previous pregnancies, and any operations you’ve had.
• We will explain the procedure and anaesthetic options as well as any risks.
• You can ask any questions you might have.
• Depending on your situation, you may have another ultrasound at this time.

We will discuss your contraceptive options, if required, and sexual health screening.

• These can take place at the same time as your procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

You will change into a gown before entering the procedure room.

• Your support person will not be able to be stay with you during the procedure. They may prefer to leave the clinic and return later.
• We will give you your chosen anaesthetic before the procedure starts.
• The doctor will pass a thin tube through the cervix (the opening of the womb) into the uterus (womb)and the pregnancy tissue is removed using gentle suction.
• The procedure usually takes no more than 15 minutes.

Illustration key:

1. Pregnancy tissue is removed with gentle suction.

After you leave the clinic

Your recovery is important. Make sure you look after yourself.

When you go home, you should relax for the rest of the day. As soon as you feel well enough, you can return to your normal activities and resume exercise.

Pain management

If you have pain when you get home, you can use these pain management techniques.

Uterine massage

Frequent, firm massaging of your lower tummy area will help your uterus (womb) muscles, and can reduce bleeding and cramping. It can also help prevent blood clots.

• Lie on your back, sit on the toilet or in a comfortable position
• Feel at the top of your pubic bone, press down firmly and massage in a downwards direction with your hand.
• You can use your fingertips, knuckles or the heel of your hand.
• Do this massage hourly for 3 minutes at a time, on the day of your procedure
• Then 5 times a day, or until your cramping/bleeding has stopped.
• If you have discomfort during the massage, don’t stop the massage but take pain medication.
• One of our nurses will demonstrate the method to you prior to you leaving the centre.

Illustration key:

1. Pubic bone

Surgical risk

D & C, or uterine aspiration, is a very safe procedure; however, all surgical procedures have some risks.

The risks mentioned below do not include all possible complications, but are the more common or important complications.

What is it: The tools used during the procedure make a small hole in the wall of the uterus.

Action/treatment: This usually heals by itself without treatment. If we are concerned about possible injury to your bowel or to blood vessels, we will transfer you to a hospital for further assessment. In some cases, you might need surgery. In rare cases, you will have to have your uterus removed.

Illustration key:

1. Perforation of the uterus

An uncomplicated procedure will not affect your chance of becoming pregnant in the future.

There is a small increase in the risk of a future pre-term birth (more than 3 weeks earlier than the due date), compared to if you have not had this procedure.

To help manage this risk we may give you medication before the procedure to reduce this risk further.

Contraception and aftercare

We will give you information about your contraception options, if required.

Contraception options

Within just 2 weeks of your treatment, your body can release an egg; so it’s possible to fall pregnant again before your next period. This is why we strongly suggest starting contraception as soon as possible if you don’t want to become pregnant. Please take the time to look at our contraception brochure.

Ask your doctor or nurse for fact sheets on any of the contraceptive methods you are interested in.

Contraception during your appointment

We can easily give you a long acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) method at your appointment – so you don’t need to worry about making another appointment.

LARC options (e.g. IUDs, implants, injections) are the most effective at preventing pregnancy.

We can provide a prescription for other hormonal contraception options such as the contraceptive pill or vaginal ring.

You can start contraception such as the pill or ring the day after your procedure and it will be effective immediately.

Our 24-hour aftercare phone service connects you to experienced registered nurses, at any time of the day or night.

Free 24/7 aftercare

Call our aftercare nurses on 1300 888 022 if you experience any of the following problems or have any concerns:

• passing clots larger than golf balls
• bleeding heavier than your period for more than a few days
• soaking through a maxi-pad every 30 minutes for 2 hours or more
• having strong abdominal pain that doesn’t stop
• nauseous more than 1 week after your procedure
• fever, feeling tired or feeling generally unwell
• having sore breasts for 2 weeks after your procedure
• not menstruating as usual, 4-6 weeks after your procedure.

Call us IMMEDIATELY if you have possible signs of an infection:

• fever
• feeling generally unwell (flu like symptoms)
• ongoing abdominal pain
• unusual vaginal discharge.

Care and support before, during and after your procedure

Interpreter: Call 131 450 and ask to be connected to MSI Australia on 1300 003 707
24/7 Aftercare: 1300 888 022