Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure used to diagnose or treat many conditions that cause abnormal bleeding from the uterus. It also can be used to help detect cancer of the uterus.

Dilation means to stretch the opening of the cervix to make it wider. Curettage involves removing a sample of the endometrium to be examined later.

A D&C usually is free of problems, and the recovery period is short.

The Uterus and Cervix

The uterus is a muscular organ in the lower abdomen. The opening of the uterus is called the cervix.

During your childbearing years, monthly changes in two female hormones-estrogen and progesterone-bring about menstrual bleeding. These hormones are made by your ovaries.

Estrogen and progesterone prepare your body for pregnancy. Estrogen is produced throughout the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is produced in the second half of the cycle. These hormones cause the lining of the uterus to grow and thicken each month to prepare for a fertilized egg. If the egg is not fertilized, hormone levels decrease. This signals the uterus to shed its lining. This shedding is your monthly menstrual period.

Reasons for a D&C

A D&C may be done to assess the cause of abnormal bleeding. It provides a sample of the tissue in the uterus. This sample can be viewed under a microscope to tell whether any cells are abnormal. It also may be done when a woman is having a miscarriage or after she has had one. In these cases, tissue from the pregnancy may remain in the uterus. Often a D&C is done to remove this tissue. This is important because the tissue may cause infection or heavy bleeding.

Learn more about D&C