Following the dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure, patients usually spend about 30 minutes in the recovery room. In some cases, patients may be required to stay overnight at the hospital. This is usually a precaution for women who have another health condition, such as heart disease or diabetes. Patients may be required to remain in the hospital if complications related to the surgery arise.

In most cases, the patient is allowed to return home within a few hours of the procedure. Patients should arrange to have someone drive them home from the hospital or clinic. Patients can usually return to their regular activities within a day or two, including their jobs as long as they do not involve physical labor. However, women should refrain from sexual intercourse and the use of tampons for at least seven days. Sanitary napkins (pads) can be used during this time for discharge that occurs from the procedure. Douches should also be avoided for two weeks following the procedure to prevent exposure to bacteria that may cause infection or inflammation.

Patients may receive oral medication to treat any postoperative pain, such as severe cramps and back pain. Pain usually disappears within 24 hours. Patients may also receive antibiotics to prevent infection. It is not unusual for patients to experience slight bleeding or staining for 5 to 14 days following the procedure.

In most cases, the results of any laboratory analysis of tissues are available within several days. The physician will discuss the results with the patient and recommend additional tests or treatment if necessary. Following D&C, new tissue will replace any tissue that was removed from the uterus. A woman’s next menstrual period may be either early or late. The D&C procedure leaves no scar as it is performed through the opening of the cervix.