Dilation and Curettage (D&C) is a minor surgical procedure in which the cervix is gently dilated (opened) and a curette (a thin spoon-shaped instrument) is used to scrape or suction material from the uterine lining. At Charak Hospital, we perform both sharp curettage and suction curettage (MVA — manual vacuum aspiration). D&C is most commonly performed after a miscarriage (to ensure the uterus is completely empty), for an incomplete or missed abortion, to diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding, or to remove endometrial polyps. It is a short procedure (15–30 minutes) performed under general anaesthesia, and most women are discharged on the same day.
When Is D&C Recommended?
- Incomplete miscarriage — tissue remaining in the uterus after a pregnancy loss
- Missed (silent) abortion — pregnancy stopped developing but has not passed
- Heavy or irregular bleeding not responding to hormonal treatment
- Endometrial biopsy for post-menopausal or abnormal bleeding (diagnostic D&C)
- Removal of retained placental products after delivery
- Treatment of incomplete septic abortion (with antibiotics)
- Endometrial sampling for suspected uterine cancer
Types of D&C Procedures
Surgical D&C (Sharp Curettage)
Traditional technique using a metal curette to gently scrape the uterine lining. Performed under general anaesthesia. Tissue sent for histopathology analysis.
Suction Curettage / MVA
Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) uses gentle suction to empty the uterus. Less trauma to the uterine lining than sharp curettage. Preferred for early pregnancy loss. Can sometimes be done under local anaesthesia.
Diagnostic D&C with Hysteroscopy
Combining hysteroscopy with endometrial sampling ensures direct visualisation of the uterine cavity, making diagnostic D&C far more accurate than blind curettage alone.
The D&C Procedure — Step by Step
- Short general anaesthesia administered (you are completely asleep)
- Gynaecologist gently places a speculum to visualise the cervix
- Cervix dilated using a series of graduated dilators
- Curette or suction cannula introduced into the uterine cavity
- Uterine contents gently removed
- Uterus checked to confirm it is empty
- Procedure complete in 15–30 minutes
- Discharge same day after 2–3 hours of observation
Recovery & Aftercare
Mild cramping and light spotting for 3–7 days is normal after D&C. Most women return to normal activities within 1–2 days. Avoid tampons, intercourse, and swimming for 2 weeks to reduce infection risk. Your next period usually comes in 4–6 weeks. Future fertility is not affected by a D&C in the vast majority of cases. We provide compassionate follow-up care — especially important after pregnancy loss.
Why Choose Charak Hospital?
- NABH-accredited facility
- Senior gynaecology team
- Laparoscopic & advanced surgical options
- 24×7 emergency care
- Full NICU & PICU backup
- Transparent treatment planning
- Compassionate multilingual staff
- Affordable, transparent pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
D&C (Dilation and Curettage) is a minor surgical procedure in which the cervix is gently opened (dilated) and a thin instrument is used to scrape or suction tissue from the lining of the uterus. It is one of the most commonly performed gynaecological procedures in India and is used for several different reasons, most commonly to remove tissue after a miscarriage or to investigate abnormal uterine bleeding.
D&C is performed for several reasons: to remove remaining pregnancy tissue after a miscarriage or incomplete abortion (the most common reason in India); to diagnose causes of abnormal or heavy bleeding by examining the removed uterine tissue; to treat certain uterine conditions like polyps or thickened uterine lining; and as part of investigating infertility. Your gynaecologist will explain the specific reason it is recommended in your case.
D&C is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia or with sedation—you will be asleep or sedated and feel no pain during the procedure. Afterwards, you may experience period-like cramping for 1–3 days, which is managed easily with standard pain relief. Most women are surprised by how minor the discomfort is during recovery. The procedure itself takes only 5–15 minutes.
The uterus typically recovers quickly after D&C. Your first period usually returns within 4–6 weeks, and many gynaecologists advise waiting for 1–3 normal menstrual cycles before trying to conceive again. This allows the uterine lining to fully heal and gives you and your partner time to emotionally recover after a miscarriage. In most cases, fertility is completely restored.
Most women experience their first period 4–6 weeks after a D&C, though it may be slightly different in flow or timing than usual for the first 1–2 cycles. This is normal as the uterine lining rebuilds itself. If you have no period within 8 weeks of a D&C, contact your gynaecologist to rule out any complications like intrauterine adhesions (Asherman's syndrome).
No—while D&C can be one method used for pregnancy termination, it has many other medical uses that are not related to abortion. D&C after a miscarriage (to remove retained tissue) is a medical necessity, not an abortion—the pregnancy has already ended naturally. D&C is also done to investigate heavy bleeding and take uterine biopsies in women who are not pregnant at all. The procedure is a surgical technique, not inherently linked to any single medical situation.
D&C is a safe, short procedure with a very low risk of complications—less than 1% in experienced hands. Rare risks include uterine perforation (a small hole in the uterus), infection, excessive bleeding, and in rare cases intrauterine adhesions (Asherman's syndrome) which can affect future periods and fertility. Choosing an experienced gynaecologist and following post-procedure instructions minimises all risks.
After D&C, avoid sexual intercourse, tampons, and swimming for 2 weeks to reduce infection risk. Take all prescribed antibiotics and pain medication as directed. Report immediately to your doctor if you develop fever, heavy bleeding (soaking more than a pad per hour), severe pelvic pain, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Rest for 1–2 days; most women can resume normal activities within 3–5 days.
In the vast majority of cases, a single D&C does not affect future fertility—women conceive normally afterwards. Rare cases of Asherman's syndrome (intrauterine adhesions/scarring) can occur, particularly with multiple D&Cs or post-infection scarring, but these can be diagnosed and treated with hysteroscopy. Modern surgical techniques and experienced practitioners minimise this risk significantly.
D&C in India typically costs between ₹10,000 and ₹50,000 depending on the reason for the procedure, hospital type, city, and anaesthesia used. Government hospitals offer significantly lower costs. After a miscarriage, D&C is often covered under health insurance if hospitalisation is required. At Charak Hospital, Lucknow, we provide compassionate and skilled care for D&C with full privacy and dignity for all patients.
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