What is Dilation and Curettage (D&C)?
Dilation and Curettage (D&C) is an outdated method of surgical abortion that has largely been replaced by vacuum methods of abortion.
During a D&C, the cervix is dilated and then sharp curettes are used to scrape the walls of the uterus to remove the pregnancy. There is increased risk of complications, as well as pain, when a D&C is performed in comparison to a vacuum aspiration. For this reason, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that D&C should be replaced by vacuum aspiration abortions, or medical (pill) abortions, whenever possible.
Even though it is not recommended, it is still practiced in some locations. If your health-care provider mentions this method, we advise you to discuss alternatives [1].
[1] “Safe abortion: technical and policy guidance for health systems.” World Health Organization, second edition, 2012, www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/unsafe_abortion/9789241548434/en/. Accesed November 2020.
During an Abortion with Manual Vacuum Aspiration
- What Is the Success Rate for Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) abortions?
- Is a Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) Abortion Painful?
- What Are the Side Effects of a Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) Abortion?
- Is Surgical Abortion Safe?
- What are the Different Gestational Ages for Each Method?
- What is an Induction Abortion?
- What is Dilation and Curettage (D&C)?
- What is Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)?
- What is an Electric Vacuum Aspiration (EVA)?
- What is a Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA)?
- What Are the Potential Risks and Complications For a Vacuum Aspiration Abortion?
*Nothing provided herein should be construed as professional medical advice and no medication / pills should be used without a prescription from a licensed / registered medical practitioner eligible to prescribe such medication in your local jurisdiction.