Re: Menses after D&C

Posted By hfhs.md.rcs on March 01, 1999 at 10:48:22:

In Reply to: Re: Menses after D&C posted by Ryan on March 01, 1999 at 00:08:50:







: D & C? What is it exactly?  and what are the risks?




I'm not really sure how this posting works, but I was too late to submit my own question so I posted a follow-up with this similar one.  My 20 year-old girlfriend recently consulted a physician about a D&C procedure due to very painful cramping.  After examining her he told her that her blood clots were so bad that she HAD to have the procedure done to limit further risks later.  I was wondering if anyone can answer me a few questions: 1. What exactly is a D&C?  What causes these blood clots? What are the risks of having it done and also the risks of conceiving later in life if this procedure is performed? And is this unusual/ dangerous for a woman of her young age to have this problem and/or procedure?  Any information on this subject would be very helpful and greatly appreciated.  THANKS!




Dear Ryan:
A d&C (dilation and curettage) is passing an instrument through the opened cervix to remove the top layers of the uterine (womb) lining (endometrium). This is done to diagnose abnormalities of the uterine lining and sometimes this can be therapy also.
Blood clots reflect increased bleeding associated with sloughing of the endometrial lining. The D&C may determine the cause; less often it is treatment.
D&C is a safe procedure: there are few risks from the procedure (perforation, scarring) or the anesthesia (drug reactons): they are all uncommon.
Most women who have had a D&C have no problems becoming pregnanct or carrying their pregnancy.
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Keywords: D&C
This information is provided for education purposes and is not a medical consultation. If you have questions, please speak with your physician.