How long does bleeding last after a D&C?

Light bleeding or spotting is normal for 1-2 weeks. Heavy bleeding soaking a pad per hour requires urgent review.

Is cramping normal after D&C?

Mild cramping similar to period pain for 24-48 hours is normal. Paracetamol and ibuprofen manage this. Severe or worsening cramping after 48 hours should be reviewed.

When will my first period return after D&C?

Most women have their first period 4-6 weeks after a D&C. The first period may be heavier or lighter than usual. If no period after 8 weeks, contact your GP.

When can I use tampons or have sex after D&C?

Avoid tampons, sexual intercourse, and swimming for at least 2 weeks, or until all bleeding has stopped, to reduce infection risk.

Dilation and Curettage (D&C) Recovery: Day by Day

D&C Recovery: Dilation and Curettage Day by Day

General guidance based on RCOG, NHS, ACOG and healthdirect guidelines (last checked Oct 2026). Your clinical team’s specific advice takes priority.

📋 Based on published clinical guidelines (last checked Oct 2026)

ⓘ Always speak with your doctor. This is here to help you feel informed, not to replace the wonderful people caring for you. Always speak with your doctor, surgeon, or healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or treatment.

D&C recovery essentials

Practical comfort for the days after your procedure.

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A heating pad on the lower abdomen eases the cramping that is common for a few days after a D&C. Heating pad →

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High-waisted, soft recovery underwear sits comfortably without pressing on your abdomen and works well with pads. Recovery underwear →

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Keeping track of pain relief and any prescribed medications helps during those foggy first days. Pill organiser →

Postopcare.info may earn a small commission from Amazon at no cost to you. These are things patients have told us genuinely helped their recovery: nothing else.

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Your recovery snapshot

A quick timeline, what to expect, and a checklist you can tick off.

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Day of procedure

Procedure complete

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Days 1-3

Light cramping and spotting

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Week 2

Bleeding resolves

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Weeks 4-6

First period returns

Based on RCOG and RANZCOG guidance (last checked Oct 2026). Recovery is rapid. Light bleeding and cramping for 1-2 weeks is normal.

My checklist

ⓘ This is general guidance: individual recovery varies. Your surgical team's instructions always come first.

🚨 When to seek help

Heavy bleeding soaking a pad per hour
Fever above 38 degrees C
Severe abdominal pain
Offensive vaginal discharge

000 (AU) · 999 (UK) · 911 (US) · 112 (EU)
In a life-threatening situation, call your local emergency number immediately. Do not wait.

Your recovery toolkit

Free interactive tools to track your recovery day by day. Everything stays on your device — nothing is uploaded or shared.

Pain trackerSpot the trend, share it with your GP Last-dose tracker“When can I take the next one?”Driving readinessWhat published guidance says before you drive Daily dashboardMeds, vitals & wound photos in one view Medication scheduleLay out dose times, add calendar reminders Wound checkIs my wound healing normally?

These tools support — never replace — the advice of your surgical team. If something feels wrong, contact your doctor or emergency services.

About D&C: Indications and What the Procedure Involves

Dilation and curettage (D&C) is one of the most commonly performed gynaecological procedures. It involves gentle dilation of the cervix followed by removal of the uterine lining using a curette (scraping instrument) or suction. It takes approximately 5–15 minutes under general anaesthetic, sedation, or local anaesthetic.

The most common indications for D&C include: management of incomplete or missed miscarriage (surgical management of miscarriage, or SMM), investigation of abnormal uterine bleeding or postmenopausal bleeding, removal of endometrial polyps or retained products of conception, and as part of certain other gynaecological procedures.

In Australia, D&C is the most commonly performed gynaecological procedure in the private hospital sector. It is generally very safe, with a complication rate of less than 1-2% in most series. Rare complications include uterine perforation, Asherman syndrome (intrauterine adhesions from aggressive curettage), and infection. These are why the post-procedure care instructions (avoiding tampon use and intercourse for 2 weeks) are important.

The procedure itself provides important diagnostic information. Tissue removed at D&C is routinely sent for histological examination (pathology), and results are typically available within 1-2 weeks. Your gynaecologist will contact you or arrange an appointment to discuss findings if relevant.

Sources: RCOG patient information · RANZCOG clinical guidance · NHS D&C recovery · healthdirect.gov.au

D&C Recovery: Dilation and Curettage Day by Day

🧰 Your recovery toolkit

About D&C: Indications and What the Procedure Involves

Your recovery toolkit