Dilation & Curettage (D & C)

Surgical tech handing Gynecologist Dr. Kirstin Sholes a tool during a surgical procedureDilation and curettage, often called D & C, is a same-day surgical procedure that removes tissue from a woman’s uterus (womb). The name refers to the dilation of the cervix, into which a thin instrument called a curette is inserted. A gynecologist uses the curette to clean out tissue from the uterus.

D & C is often performed after a miscarriage or childbirth. It may also be performed in women with heavy bleeding (defined as soaking a tampon or a pad every two hours or less OR periods that last longer than eight days) to rule out uterine cancer or endometrial growths. A D & C may also be performed in conjunction with a hysteroscopy.

Find a Gynecologist

Emily Abele, M.D.

Emily Abele, M.D.

  • Obstetrics
  • Gynecological Surgery
  • Avera Medical Group Specialty Care
Kirstin Sholes, M.D.

Kirstin Sholes, M.D.

  • Obstetrics
  • Gynecological Surgery
  • Avera Medical Group Specialty Care
Larissa Bennis, M.D.

Larissa Bennis, M.D.

  • Obstetrics
  • Gynecological Surgery
  • Avera Medical Group Specialty Care
Tara Haarsma, D.O.

Tara Haarsma, D.O.

  • Obstetrics
  • Gynecological Surgery
  • Avera Medical Group Specialty Care