Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is widened (dilated) and a physician gently suctions (aspirates) tissue from inside the uterus. In some cases, a long metal instrument with a loop on the end (curette) will be used to scrape the walls of the uterus after suctioning, a process known as curettage. This helps ensure that no tissue is left behind in the uterus. For some D&Cs, a lighted tube called a hysteroscope is also used so the uterus can be viewed during the procedure.

A D&C can be performed either to diagnose or treat various gynecological conditions including:

• Treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding. This is the most common reason that D&C is performed. If a woman is of reproductive age and experiences abnormal bleeding a physician has several options for treatment. Initially, a physician is most likely to prescribe hormone medications to stabilize the uterine lining and to keep it from bleeding abnormally. However, if this is not successful, an operation may be recommended to help determine the cause of the uterine bleeding and plan effective treatment. This procedure may be performed along with a hysteroscopy so the curettage can be viewed directly. This helps make diagnosis and/or treatment more accurate.
  
  
• Removal of tissue after miscarriage or childbirth. D&C is often used to remove fetal or placental tissue that can remain inside the uterus after a miscarriage or childbirth.
  
  
• Removal of abnormal growths and cancer. Abnormal growths, known as polyps, can develop in the lining of the uterus or cervix and may cause bleeding. A cervical polyp may cause irritation during sexual intercourse whereas a uterine polyp may cause abnormal bleeding. In other cases, the growth may be a fibroid, which forms from the cells that make up uterine muscle. A fibroid can cause abnormal bleeding if it protrudes into the uterine cavity. During D&C, these growths can be scraped from the lining of the uterus. The tissue will then be sent to a laboratory to determine if the growths are cancerous. Most growths – especially fibroids – are noncancerous.
  
  
• Performing an induced abortion beyond the first trimester. Dilation and curettage is the most common method of induced abortion used beyond the first trimester (12 weeks). It usually involves suction and use of forceps to remove the fetus. In some cases, the uterus may be gently scraped to ensure that all tissue has been removed. D&C has several advantages over other second trimester procedures (such as induction of uterine contractions). These include greater convenience, lack of need for hospitalization and lower cost.
  
  
• Treatment of endometrial hyperplasia. D&C can be used to thin the lining of the uterus in women who have endometrial hyperplasia, a condition in which the uterine lining has become too thick. This thickening may occur as the result of hormonal changes, medications or other factors.
  
  
• Diagnosis of other disorders. D&C samples may be analyzed when trying to diagnose conditions such as the source of severe menstrual pain or infertility problems. A hysteroscopy is often also performed.