Uterine curettage: indications for the procedure

Curettage of the uterine cavity is a gynecological procedure that removes the endometrium from the uterine cavity for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. It is rarely used to terminate a pregnancy.

Learn more at : When is uterine curettage performed? Recommendations after curettage and disturbing symptoms

Uterine curettage: indications for the procedure

Curettage of the uterine cavity is a procedure that is performed for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, e.g. in the case of:

• profuse, irregular bleeding from the genital tract,
• bleeding after menopause,
• infertility,
• suspected ectopic pregnancy,
• dubious transvaginal ultrasound image ,
• incomplete expulsion of the placenta,
• miscarriage, when the fetal egg is not fully expelled,
• uterine polyps .

Disturbing symptoms after curettage of the uterus

Symptoms after curettage of the uterus, which should be alarming and prompt you to urgently contact a doctor, are: 

• heavy bleeding (when you use more than 1 pad in an hour),
• prolonged bleeding, 
• strong stomach ache,
• fever, 
• chills,
• foul-smelling discharge, 
• dizziness,
• weakness,
• swoon,
• dyspnoea, 
• swelling, redness of the leg, 
• stool retention.

How long does it take for the uterus to cleanse after curettage?

The uterine lining regenerates after curettage, and a new one typically appears in about 5 days. But spotting might continue for a while. After curettage, the uterus is thus cleansed for about 5 days. After the procedure, you can typically resume your normal activities two to three days later. Following the curettage procedure, you might experience mild abdominal cramps or pain; in this case, you can take a painkiller.

Recommendations after curettage of the uterus

After the curettage of the uterus, and more specifically after anesthesia, the patient may feel nausea and drowsiness. She should stay for at least a few hours of observation so that the doctor can assess the woman’s condition for bleeding. After curettage, it is often necessary to wear a sanitary napkin , as there may still be some light bleeding or spotting for a few days.

Your doctor may recommend that after curettage for several days (or longer):

• do not use tampons
• do not use irrigation
• not to have intercourse
• avoid lifting weights
• limit physical activity.

Possible side effects of uterine curettage

The procedure of uterine curettage is generally risk-free, and complications are uncommon. Massive bleeding after uterine curettage is a potential side effect. Additionally, a bacterial infection might exist. These two ailments both call for hospital care. Asherman’s syndrome is a rare side effect that can happen following an excessively deep curettage of the endometrium. Then, intrauterine adhesions and scars develop, greatly reducing the cavity. Uterine perforation, or perforation of the uterus, is another potential side effect of curettage. Intestinal perforation is another possibility. But it also doesn’t happen very often.