Dilation and curettage (D and C)

Dilation and curettage (D and C) is a minor surgical procedure in which your doctor widens (dilates) your cervix and gently suctions (aspirates) tissue from inside the uterus. Sometimes a long metal instrument with a loop on the end (curet) is used after the suction to scrape the walls of the uterus, making sure it's empty.

D and C is often used when an incomplete miscarriage has occurred and some fetal or placental tissue remains inside the uterus. Not everyone who has a miscarriage needs this procedure. D and C may also be used to determine the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding not due to miscarriage.

The risk of complications from D and C is very low. Complications include damage to the connective tissue of the cervix or uterine wall, which can affect subsequent pregnancies or fertility. But these problems are rare.