- How long the recovery lasts
- Care after curettage
- How menstruation looks after uterine curettage
- When to get pregnant after curettage
- Warning signs to go to the doctor
Curettage is a procedure that can be performed as a diagnosis of uterine abnormalities, or as a form of treatment to remove uterine or placental remains, in case of abortion, for example. Thus, the main differences are:
- Uterine curettage: refers to the treatment with complete scraping of the uterus, being carried out in the hospital, with the possibility of hospitalization; Endocervical curettage: refers to the diagnostic exam that takes only a small sample of uterine tissue, done in the office without anesthesia.
The endocervical curettage exam is a relatively simple technique, which can be done in the gynecologist's office, which normally lasts between 15-30 minutes. However, the treatment of uterine curettage should be done at the hospital, requiring more care to follow. In this case, the woman must return home accompanied, as drowsiness can affect the ability to make decisions or drive.
How long the recovery lasts
The recovery of uterine curettage (treatment) is about 3-7 days, and the woman must remain at rest to prevent the onset of complications, which are rare, but bleeding, uterine infections, perforation of the uterus, bladder or intestinal loop may occur. In addition, it can also lead to the formation of a kind of scar that leads to the adhesion of the walls of the uterus, changing the menstrual cycle and decreasing fertility.
During this period, it is common for the woman to experience some discomfort, especially some severe cramps that arise from the intense contraction of the uterus after the procedure. To relieve this discomfort the doctor may prescribe painkillers, but using a hot water bottle over the pelvic area can also bring relief from the discomfort.
The recovery of the endocervical curettage (exam) is simpler, and the woman must rest on the same day, and use an intimate pad, drink more water than usual and rest. The doctor may recommend pain relievers such as Paracetamol or Dipyrone for relief of pain and discomfort, and using a hot water bottle over the abdominal area can help with pain relief.
Care after curettage
In any case during the week of curettage it is not recommended to make efforts and therefore the woman should not go to work. The ideal is to lie down, resting while reading a book or sleeping. After 3 days of discharge the woman can resume her activities, but without going to the gym. When bleeding and cramps subside, normal activities can be resumed, including physical activity.
Then, other precautions must be taken, such as:
- Do not use tampon in the first month after curettage; Do not use vaginal rain to wash the vagina; Do not have sex for at least 2 weeks.
How menstruation looks after uterine curettage
The first menstruation after treatment with uterine curettage is more painful and may contain small traces and clots, which is why some women may think they are having a new abortion, but in reality, these are remnants of the tissue that lined the uterus yet. last month.
When to get pregnant after curettage
In case the curettage is done after an abortion, the woman must be kept for at least 2 weeks to 1 month and avoid pregnancy for the next 3 months. If the curettage has been performed as a diagnostic test, the woman may become pregnant after the first month. Find out more about when to get pregnant after curettage.
Warning signs to go to the doctor
You should go to the doctor or emergency room if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Bleeding, which needs to be changed every hour, fever, strong abdominal cramps; Pain that gets worse rather than better; Vaginal discharge with a bad smell.
After curettage, the uterus should take a few days to recover completely, so your next period may come a little later than usual.
