Dilation and curettage (D&C) for PCOS

Overview
Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure used to diagnose or treat problems including heavy or abnormal uterine bleeding, polyps, and fibroid tumors. Dilation refers to the opening of the cervix. Curettage is the removal of the contents of the uterus, either by scraping the uterine lining with a spoon-shaped instrument or with a suction device. D&C may also be used after a miscarriage or birth to remove any remaining tissue or placenta and prevent infection. D&C may be recommended to some women with PCOS to help treat heavy bleeding and potentially improve fertility, dependent on the individual’s circumstances. D&C may be considered in cases where medications have been ineffective.

What does it involve?
The goal of D&C in women with PCOS is to treat heavy bleeding and possibly improve chances for pregnancy.

D&C is usually performed in an office setting using local anesthetic. You may also be given some oral medication to help you relax. You will lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups. The doctor will insert a speculum to gain access to your cervix. Local anesthetic will be injected. The doctor will open your cervix using special tools. You may feel some cramping. The doctor will insert either a flexible suction tube or a spoon-shaped instrument to scrape the inside of your uterus. The procedure takes only a few minutes.

Recovery
After D&C, you will be allowed to rest and recover for a while under observation to ensure that there were no complications. You will be able to leave the office soon after the procedure. You may experience cramping and light bleeding for a few hours. You may want to rest for a day or two after D&C before returning to daily activities. You will be placed on pelvic rest (no sexual intercourse or tampons) for at least seven days after D&C in order to prevent infections. For the same reason, you should not douche during this time.

Results
The effectiveness of D&C is dependent on the condition and circumstances of each individual.

Constraints
Any surgical procedure can result in infection.

Rarely, D&C can result in the perforation of the uterus or damage to the cervix.

D&C can cause scarring (also known as Asherman’s syndrome) that contributes to abnormal bleeding, miscarriages, and infertility.

D&C is not a cure for PCOS. Your PCOS symptoms and fertility may not improve after undergoing D&C.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Dilation and curettage (D&C) – Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dila...

Dilation and Curettage (D&C) – American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Dilation-and-...

Dilation and Curettage for Uterine Bleeding – Women’s Clinic, Ltd.
http://infertilitypa.com/DC_UterineBleeding.htm