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May 22, 2013
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Dilation and Curettage (D&C) (cont.)

Medical Author:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD

Dr. Charles "Pat" Davis, MD, PhD, is a board certified Emergency Medicine doctor who currently practices as a consultant and staff member for hospitals. He has a PhD in Microbiology (UT at Austin), and the MD (Univ. Texas Medical Branch, Galveston). He is a Clinical Professor (retired) in the Division of Emergency Medicine, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio, and has been the Chief of Emergency Medicine at UT Medical Branch and at UTHSCSA with over 250 publications.

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After the Dilation and Curettage Procedure

  • The recovery time is generally short following a D&C. Cramps, similar to menstrual cramps, will probably be the patient's strongest sensation immediately after a D&C. Although most women experience cramps for less than an hour, some women may have cramps for a day or more.
  • The patient may also have some light bleeding for several days.
  • The patient will most likely be placed in the recovery room immediately after the procedure. Most hospitals and outpatient clinics will keep the patient for an hour or until she is fully awake. The patient will need to arrange for a ride home.
  • It is suggested that the patient not drive for at least 24 hours after anesthesia. This is recommended even after a sedative/local anesthesia because side effects of these drugs can temporarily impair the coordination and response time.
  • Naproxen or ibuprofen are usually given for relief from cramping. Narcotics are seldom, if ever, needed for the pain following the D&C.

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Viewer Comments & Reviews

Dilation and Curettage (D&C) - Reasons

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What was the reason for your D&C?

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Dilation and Curettage (D&C) - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What symptoms did you experience prior to your D&C?

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