Dilation And Curettage Specialist
Rodeo Drive Women's Health Center
OB/GYNs located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dilation and curettage, referred to as a D&C, is a gynecological procedure that is used to remove the lining inside the uterus. Dr. Rebecca Brown, Dr. Jennifer Chen, Dr. Lily Lee, Dr. Rahil Patel, Dr. Henrietta Stancz-Szeder, Dr. Karen Toubi, Dr. Kathleen Valenton, Dr. Wendy Kim Waldman, and Dr. Peter Weiss, at Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center, can perform a D&C at an outpatient surgery center, when it is the best choice to protect their patient’s reproductive and overall health.
Dilation and Curettage Q & A
What happens during a D&C procedure?
A D&C is a procedure to remove the lining of the uterus and is similar to what happens naturally during monthly menstrual cycles. However, to remove the lining manually, the uterus must be accessed. The dilation refers to the opening or widening of the bottom of the uterus or cervix. The curettage portion of the procedure refers to scraping the lining of the uterus to remove the tissue.
To begin the procedure, your OB/GYN uses a speculum to open the vaginal canal and uses medication to soften or to widen the cervix. Next, a curette -- a long spoon-shaped instrument -- is used to scrape the uterine lining. Finally, a suction device called a cannula may also be used to remove any remaining tissue from the uterine walls.
Is anesthesia used during a D&C?
If you’re undergoing a D&C, you will be given anesthesia by your physician. You may receive local anesthesia or an epidural, which allows you to be awake during the procedure. In some cases, general anesthesia is used.
Your physician will discuss anesthesia options with you before your procedure. In most cases, it is best to have someone who can bring you home after having a D&C as you may be groggy and unable to drive.
Why would I need a D&C?
A D&C can be used after a miscarriage, abortion or after childbirth to remove any remaining tissue that could cause infection or other complications. A D&C is also used to help treat women with heavy menstrual bleeding. In some cases, tissue removed from the D&C may be tested for abnormal cells or other issues as part of your treatment.
Is the procedure painful?
Your OB/GYN will almost always use some anesthesia during a D&C. However, you may experience some cramping and discomfort during the procedure and recovery. Light bleeding can be expected after the procedure. Your dedicated gynecological practitioner at Rodeo Drive Women’s Health Center will let you know what to expect and give you instructions for your recovery period.
Insurance We Accept
Rodeo Drive Women's Health Care's mission is to make exceptional health care more accessible. That’s why we work to accept most major PPO insurance plans and Medicare.
Start by calling your insurance to find out if Rodeo Women's Health Center is in your insurance plan’s network, please call the phone number on the back of your insurance card and provide them with our National Provider Identifier (or “NPI”) number 1295181956. If you seek care outside of your plan’s contract terms, you will be responsible for any charges incurred.