Women's Health
It had been a long times i didn't write anything in this blog. It’s because of my laziness and suddenly today at this times i feel want to write something in my blog. It is a time when i feel free and really excited to share an info about the women health. As a women, most of us unaware with our body, mind and some of us even not serious with our own health.
Do you know what is D & C or is also known as Dilation and Curettage
It is a is a brief surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated and a special instrument is used to scrape the uterine lining. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after a D&C may help ease your worries and make the process go more smoothly. It's really helpful especially to those who want to know about the process and procedure of D&C.
Below are some reasons why D&C is needed and it is done to :
- Remove tissue in the uterus during or after a miscarriage or to remove small pieces of placenta after childbirth. This will help to prevent infection or heavy bleeding after giving birth or during miscarriage.
- Diagnose or treat abnormal uterine bleeding. A D&C may help diagnose or treat growths such as fibroid, hormonal imbalances, or uterine cancer. A doctor will take a sample of uterine tissue and it is viewed under a microscope to check for any abnormal cells.
Preparation Before D&C:
D& C can be done in an outpatient clinic, or the hospital. It usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes, but you may stay in the clinic, or hospital for up to five hours until the doctor released you to go home. Normally, after having a D&C, we will feel dizzy and the body is still weak.
What You Should Do Before D&C :
You will have a complete history taken and sign a consent form. You may ask your doctor any questions you have about the D&C. You have to tell your doctor about your health condition especially when you are suspect you are pregnant, sensitive or allergic to any medications and have a history of bleeding disorders.
Procedures of D&C :
You will receive anesthesia, which your doctor will discuss with you. The type you have depends on the procedure you need . But if you have general anesthesia, you will not be awake during the procedure. If you have spinal or epidural anesthesia, you will not have feeling from the waist down and if you have local anesthesia, you will be awake and the area around you cervix will be numbed.
Before the D&C, you may need to remove clothing, put on a gown, and empty your bladder.
During a D&C, you lie on your back and place your legs like during a pelvic exam. Then the doctor inserts a speculum into the vagina and holds the cervix in place with a clamp. Although the D&C involves no stitches or cuts, the doctor cleanses the cervix with an antiseptic solution.
A D&C involves two main steps:
- Dilation involves widening the opening of the lower part of the uterus (the cervix) to allow insertion of an instrument. Or medication may soften the cervix to help it widen. Some patient will be given a pills to soften the cervix.
- Curettage involves scraping the lining and removing uterine contents with a long, spoon-shaped instrument . This can cause some cramping. In many cases, a tissue sample goes to a lab for examination.
Side Effects and Risks of D&C :
After a D&C, there are possible side effects and risks. Common side effects include:
- Cramping
- Spotting or light bleeding
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
Complications such as a damaged cervix and bowel are rare. But be sure to contact your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms after a D&C:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding or blood clots
- Fever
- Pain
- Abdominal tenderness
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
Some patients does not facing any health problem after D&C, but it is still recommended to contact your doctor if you have a heavy bleeding. Bear in mind to alert with your health condition after D&C because in very rare cases, scar tissue may form inside the uterus.This may cause infertility and changes in menstrual flow. Surgery can repair this problem, so be sure to report any menstrual flow changes after a D&C. It is related with your body hormone.
Recovery After a D&C
After a D&C, you will need someone to take you home. If you had general anesthesia, you may feel dizzy for a while and have some brief nausea and vomiting. In the meantime, ask your doctor about any needed restrictions. You may also have mild cramping and light spotting for a few days. This is normal.
There is a change in the timing of your next menstrual period. It may come either early or late. Therefore, after D&C, we need to see a doctor for a follow-up visit and schedule any further treatment that's needed.
