When is dnc done

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should notify your health care provider. He or she may recommend a pregnancy test prior to the procedure. Notify your doctor if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medications, iodine, latex, tape, and anesthetic agents local and general. Notify your doctor of all medications prescribed and over-the-counter and herbal supplements that you are taking.

Notify your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant blood-thinning medications, aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. It may be necessary for you to stop these medications prior to the procedure. If a sedative is given before the procedure, you will need someone to drive you home afterwards. The type of anesthesia will depend on the specific procedure being performed.

If spinal or epidural anesthesia is used, you will have no feeling from your waist down. The anesthesiologist will continuously monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during the surgery.

You will be positioned on an operating or examination table, with your feet and legs supported as for a pelvic examination. Your doctor will insert an instrument called a speculum into your vagina to spread the walls of the vagina apart to expose the cervix. For local anesthesia, the doctor may numb the area using a small needle to inject medication. If general or regional anesthesia is used, the anesthesiologist will continuously monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood oxygen level during surgery.

A type of forceps, called a tenaculum, may be used to hold the cervix steady for the procedure. The inside of the cervical canal may be scraped with a small curette if the cervical tissue needs to be examined. A thin, rod-like instrument, called a uterine sound, may be inserted through the cervical opening to determine the length of the uterus. If you have local anesthesia, this may cause some cramping. The sound will then be removed. The cervix will be dilated by inserting a series of thin rods.

Each rod will be larger in diameter than the previous one. This process will gradually enlarge the opening of the cervix so that the curette spoon-shaped instrument can be inserted. The curette will be inserted through the cervical opening into the uterus and the sharp spoon-shaped edges will be passed across the lining of the uterus to scrape away the tissues.

However, in some cases, the infection may scar the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries, which may make it difficult to become pregnant in the future.

This is referred to as Asherman syndrome. Using a sharp instrument to remove tissue rather than suction also increases the chances of scar tissue formation. The most common symptoms are very light or missed periods. Uterine scar tissue can cause difficulty, becoming pregnant or repeated miscarriages. To treat this condition scar tissue is surgically removed with a hysteroscope inserted through the vagina and cervix in order to view the inside of your uterus.

D and C. Smith, Mindy, et al, Ch. Cunningham, F. Gary, et al, Ch. Danforth Obstetrics and Gynecology Ninth Ed.

Scott, James. Gibbs, et al, Ch. The procedure is done to: Remove tissue in the uterus during or after a miscarriage or abortion or to remove small pieces of placenta after childbirth.

This helps prevent infection or heavy bleeding. Diagnose or treat abnormal uterine bleeding. A sample of uterine tissue is viewed under a microscope to check for abnormal cells.

Be sure to tell the doctor if: You suspect you are pregnant You are sensitive or allergic to any medications, iodine, or latex You have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking any blood-thinning drugs A sedative is usually given first to help you relax.

You may be given antibiotics intravenously or orally to help prevent infection. The cervix will be examined to determine if it is open. If the cervix is closed, dilators narrow instruments in varying sizes will be inserted to open the cervix to allow the surgical instruments to pass through. A speculum will be placed to keep the cervix open. You may or may not need to fast before heading to your appointment — your doctor will let you know.

After you check in and gown up, the nursing staff will check your vital signs. The type of anesthesia you receive depends on factors specific to your case and your health history.

Some women may go under general anesthesia while others may have light sedation. Other options include local or regional anesthesia, which are injections to provide numbing specific to where the procedure is being performed. After the procedure, a nurse will place a pad in your hospital underwear. As with any type of surgery, however, there are some risks involved. This refers to the adhesions that can develop in the uterus after the procedure.

The scar tissue may change your menstrual flow and potentially lead to infertility. This condition is rare and can be treated with surgery. However, there are some things that this procedure can help you with — both physically and emotionally. Related: Answers to your questions about pregnancy after miscarriage. And in the days that follow, you may experience some mild cramping and light bleeding that can last for up to a couple of weeks. Your doctor may recommend that you take over-the-counter OTC medications, like Advil or Motrin ibuprofen , or prescribe you another medication for pain.

After a couple of days of rest, you may be able to go back to your normal level of activity and work. But everyone is different — so be sure to check in with your doctor for any specific guidelines.