Is curettage harmful to the body?

Feb 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

A friend of mine had a miscarriage after becoming pregnant, but there were still remnants in the uterus, so she needs a dilation and curettage (D&C). We don't know whether D&C will cause harm to the body. Doctor, is the harm of D&C significant?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu

Dilation and curettage (D&C) refers to the surgical procedure involving the scraping of uterine contents using medical instruments. This procedure usually causes significant physical harm.

D&C is commonly used for induced abortion, diagnostic curettage, or therapeutic curettage. During the procedure, doctors use instruments such as curettes or suction tubes to remove embryos, tissues, or abnormal cells attached to the uterine lining.

D&C directly damages the endometrium, possibly causing thinning of the uterine lining and affecting its growth and repair. This may interfere with embryo implantation and development, increasing the risk of habitual miscarriage. Additionally, damage to the endometrium may lead to gynecological conditions such as endometritis. Moreover, since D&C involves inserting instruments into the uterine cavity, improper sterilization of surgical instruments or inadequate postoperative care may result in intrauterine infection.

When undergoing a D&C procedure, patients should choose reputable and qualified medical institutions to ensure proper sterilization of surgical instruments and standardized surgical practices. After the surgery, patients should maintain external genital hygiene, avoid tub bathing and sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, adequate sleep and a balanced diet are important for promoting recovery.