Curettage and Uterine Curettage – How is the Procedure and When Should It Be Done

Unfortunately, most of the time uterine curettage is performed at a delicate moment in a woman’s life: abortion . A miscarriage can occur for a variety of reasons, and sometimes medical intervention may be required to remove what the body has not eliminated on its own. Incomplete abortions need uterine curettage, and it needs to be done in a hospital by a gynecologist.

During pregnancy, there are several changes in the uterus. The endometrium grows large and thick to accommodate the embryo in its early stage. In some cases, the body cannot eliminate the entire endometrium after a miscarriage. If the pregnancy is more advanced, there are also cases where it is necessary to remove the remains of the placenta. There are also cases where the body does not even expel the fetus, and curettage is necessary.

Curettage is not an easy process, and fear is normal. The situation is very painful, but curettage is necessary to prevent something from remaining in the uterus after partial expulsion. Staying with the remains of a pregnancy that has not progressed can cause very serious infections. Curettage is unpleasant, but it is safer than having to deal with the consequences of partial expulsion.

There are some ways to decrease the chances of spontaneous abortions. Some studies point out that deficiency of some vitamins and minerals can increase the chances of miscarriages. This is the case with folic acid deficiency. To make life easier for those who are trying, there are special multivitamins for those who want to get pregnant. This is the case of FamiFerti , a multivitamin that offers essential vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin A, C and E in the ideal amounts for tempting people. You can purchase your FamiFerti here , in our online store.

How is Uterine Curettage Made?

Curettage is done in a hospital or maternity hospital, usually in a surgical center appropriate for the procedure. Instruments are used to enlarge the cervix and others to clean the cervix itself. The most common methods are scraping (the most conventional) or suction (a more modern method).

The patient is submitted to an anesthesia that will depend on her physical and emotional state. In most cases it is a spinal . Epidural anesthesia or even general anesthesia are also used, however the anesthesiologist on duty will decide which is the best for each case. Curettage is simple, and depending on the health status of each patient, discharge from the hospital can be within 12 to 24 hours .

If necessary, the material collected in the curettage will be taken for analysis to find out the reasons for the abortion. Recurrent cases of abortion are the most suitable for a post-uterine curettage biopsy.

Curettage is not only done in cases of abortions. There are other situations in which it is necessary, such as the presence of frequent excessive bleeding and severe abdominal pain. If bleeding does not stop on its own, curettage may be indicated in extreme cases.

Many women confuse the word collection with curettage. Collecting comes from collecting and has no connection with the act of uterine curettage.

Uterine Curettage Recovery

Recovery is relatively simple, but each case is different.

Curettage after abortions of short term pregnancies theoretically has an easier recovery. Cases of earlier pregnancies usually require a longer recovery time, and sometimes it is even requested a protection as in a normal delivery, that is, 40 days.

After curettage, absolute rest is required, with no efforts or sexual intercourse. Recovery must be complete, without unpleasant complications. After curettage, the doctor may prescribe specific anti-inflammatories or antibiotics for the case.

Bleeding persists even after curettage, and is perfectly normal. This blood is the end of the cleaning done by the organism itself and the consequence of an invasive process. Bleeding after uterine curettage can last from 5 to 15 days , depending on the body of each woman. It is recommended to consult a doctor if the bleeding continues after this period or if there is fever, chills or severe pain in the abdominal area. In these cases it is necessary to assess what may be happening.

Getting pregnant after curettage is a recurring question. It must be taken into account that it is not such a common situation and must be evaluated by the doctor. In general, the recommended time limit before trying again is about three months . In cases of abortions with more advanced pregnancies, the time to try again is slightly longer, from four to six months.

Remember, curettage is a way to help remove waste from the uterus  and should be viewed naturally. However, it is still an invasive procedure and rest after uterine curettage should be done rigorously. In this period there are still wounds in the uterus, and you have to wait for them to heal properly.

Author’s note

In 2000 I had an abortion at 11 weeks of pregnancy, and it took a uterine curettage to remove the remains of the pregnancy that had stopped evolving. It was a very sad moment, but in spite of everything I knew it was necessary. Upon arriving at the hospital, they had an ultrasound that detected that there were still many things inside my uterus, including the fetus that was already over 8 cm and without a heartbeat.

It was strange to enter that operating room, but in the end I saw almost nothing. The anesthesia was local and I was sedated for the procedure to happen. I had no pain during or after, and I did not bleed for a long time after the procedure. But the mark of the event was there forever. I will always remember that difficult time in my life.

Questions from Readers:

Does the curettage procedure hurt?

The curettage procedure is completely painless, since it is given a sedative. In most cases, the anesthesia applied is spinal. The doctor is the one who will indicate the ideal anesthetic form for the case during the consultation.

Do I need to take personal items after the curettage procedure?

As hospitalization is usually requested after the procedure, it is recommended to bring items such as pajamas or nightgown. It is also recommended to bring items of intimate hygiene, such as intimate absorbent, panties, toothbrush, hairbrush, etc. Usually hospitalization is only one day to observe the woman’s bleeding and recovery.

See also: Menstruation With Pieces – What’s Happening?

Dr. Alexis Hart
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My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.

Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.

Dr. Alexis Hart

My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.

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