D&C Procedure Explained: Why It's Done, What to Expect, and Recovery Tips

ByTarin Hussain
Updated: 29 Dec 2025, 6:30 pm
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Astha Dayal, Director, Obstetrics & Gynaecology

A D&C (dilation and curettage) is a minor surgical procedure that your Gynecologist might recommend to diagnose or treat some problems of your uterus. During the procedure, the cervix is gently dilated, and the endometrial lining of the uterus is carefully scraped or suctioned to remove tissue. This can help your doctor diagnose the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding or treat certain problems, such as retained tissue after a miscarriage or incomplete abortion.

Pregatips
A D&C procedure, or dilation and curettage, is one of the most common gynaecological procedures performed worldwide, yet many women feel anxious or unsure about what it entails. Simply put, D&C is a medical technique used to gently clear the lining of the uterus, whether for diagnostic purposes, managing miscarriage, or treating abnormal bleeding.
In this article:
From preparation to the procedure itself, understanding each step helps you feel more confident and in control.

When Do Doctors Recommend a D&C?

Doctors suggest a D&C for two main reasons: diagnosis or treatment.

For Diagnosis

If you have unusual bleeding, bleeding after menopause, or abnormal cells found during a routine cervical screening, the doctor may first do a small sample test. When more information is needed, a full D&C is carried out. The removed tissue is sent to the laboratory to check for:

  • Thickening of the uterine lining (endometrial hyperplasia, which can sometimes be pre-cancerous)
  • Polyps
  • Uterine cancer

For Treatment

A D&C is often needed to:
  • Clear the uterus completely after a miscarriage or abortion to prevent heavy bleeding or infection.
  • Remove the leftover placenta after childbirth if it is causing heavy bleeding.
  • Take out a molar pregnancy (where a tumour forms instead of a normal pregnancy).
  • Remove benign polyps or small fibroids.

How To Prepare for the D&C Procedure

Preparation is simple but important:
  • Follow the fasting instructions given by the doctor, usually nothing to eat or drink after midnight if general anaesthesia is planned.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home because you will feel sleepy after anaesthesia.
  • Inform the doctor about all medicines you take, any allergies, or if there is any chance you could be pregnant.
  • If extra widening of the cervix is required, the doctor may give a tablet or insert a tablet a few hours or a day before the procedure so the cervix opens gradually and comfortably.

What Happens on the Day of the D&C Procedure?

The actual D&C takes only 5 to 15 minutes, but you will spend a few hours in the hospital or clinic.

Anaesthesia Choices

You will not feel any pain during the procedure. The doctor chooses the best option for you:
  • General anaesthesia: You sleep completely
  • Regional anaesthesia: The lower half of the body becomes numb
  • Local anaesthesia: Only the cervical area is numbed

Step-by-Step Inside the Operation Theatre

  • You lie on your back with your feet in supports, similar to a regular gynaecological exam.
  • A speculum is inserted to allow the doctor to see the cervix clearly.
  • Thin rods (dilatators) of gradually increasing size are gently inserted to slowly open the cervix.
  • Once the cervix is adequately dilated, a small spoon-shaped instrument or gentle suction is used to remove tissue from the uterine lining.
  • If a hysteroscope (camera) is used, the doctor can view the inside of the uterus on a screen and take samples or remove polyps if needed.

Recovery Immediately After the D&C Procedure

Once the procedure is done, you’ll rest in the recovery area for about 1 to 3 hours. This gives the anaesthesia some time to wear off and allows the doctors to make sure you’re not having any heavy bleeding.

It’s totally normal to feel mild cramping or notice light spotting for the next couple of days (nothing to panic about). And once you’re fully awake, you can eat and drink just like you normally do.

D&C Recovery at Home and What to Expect

Most people feel well enough to resume light activities within 1 or 2 days, and their normal routine within 3 to 5 days.

Common Things You May Notice

  • Mild period-like cramps for a couple of days (simple painkillers usually help).
  • Light bleeding or brownish spotting for up to 2 weeks.
  • Your next period may come a little early or late because the uterus needs time to build a fresh lining.

What To Avoid After a D&C Procedure Until the Doctor Says It’s Safe

Take these precautions to lower the chance of infection while the cervix returns to its normal size:
  • Do not use tampons; use sanitary pads only.
  • Avoid sexual intercourse.
  • Do not put anything inside the vagina (no douching, no creams).
  • Avoid swimming or bathing in a tub.

When Can You Try for Pregnancy Again After a D&C Procedure?

If your D&C was done after a miscarriage, most doctors usually suggest waiting for at least 1 or 2 normal periods before trying to conceive again. This gives your body a little time to reset.

But honestly, the best guidance will always come from your doctor, because everyone’s situation is different.

When to Seek Medical Help

Reach out to your doctor right away if you notice any of these signs:
  • Heavy bleeding that soaks a pad every hour
  • Fever above 100.4°F
  • Severe pain that does not improve with usual painkillers
  • Cramps that last more than 48 hours or get worse
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Feeling dizzy or faint
A D&C is a simple procedure that really helps many people, whether it’s to figure out what’s causing unusual bleeding or to safely clear the uterus after a pregnancy loss. Most individuals feel a sense of relief once it’s done and recover completely within a few days.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on D&C Procedure Explained: Why It's Done, What to Expect, and Recovery Tips

  1. How soon after a D&C will my periods return?
    Periods usually return within 2 to 6 weeks, but each woman’s cycle may vary depending on hormones.
  2. When can I resume exercise after the D&C procedure?
    Light walking is usually fine soon after. Strenuous workouts or high-intensity training should typically be avoided for 1 to 2 weeks.
Medically Reviewed By:
Dr Astha Dayal,Director, Obstetrics & Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram
How we reviewed this article
Our team continuously monitors the health and wellness space to create relevant content for you. Every article is reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy.

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