Curettage is generally associated as a post-abortion procedure and although it is used for these cases, it is not always for the same purpose. As we told you before, it is a surgical process in which the walls inside the uterus, usually known as the endometrium, are scraped or cleaned or samples of this tissue are extracted.
Most women tend to be afraid about such an intervention, thinking that they will be sterile or even believe that they will remain immobile for a long time, being ideas that are not entirely correct. Although recovery is relatively fast, as it is a surgical procedure in which anesthesia is used, it requires subsequent care. Therefore, in this article we will tell you how to take care of yourself after a curettage and your recovery process.
Why a curettage is done
A curettage tends to be done on an outpatient basis and in a period of no more than 30 minutes under general anesthesia. It is usually done by a gynecologist and specialist in the subject, where he will dilate the entire cervical canal and then introduce a legra (instrument used in curettage) to remove the endometrium or the sample of it.
Based on the two main reasons why a curettage is carried out, certain pathologies can be broken down such as:
- IUD removal: this is a type of contraceptive method that is inserted inside the uterus; due to time or problems with the endometrium can become embedded or stuck inside it, making it impossible to remove normally and needing a curettage before to remove all the endometrium that is retaining the IUD.
- Diagnosis of uterine cancer: used for the early detection of uterine or endometrial cancer, allowing the analysis of samples extracted from said curettage.
- Treatment for menstrual irregularities: either for heavy or irregular menstruation; curettage can be used in both cases to analyze the situation of the endometrium and observe that there are no abnormalities such as endometriosis; it can also be efficient for bleeding between periods and detect its cause.
- Induced or therapeutic abortions: used to extract the fertilized embryo from the uterus and the rest of the endometrium. It is performed in the first trimester of pregnancy by decision of the mother or by problems with the fetus.
- Cleaning after a miscarriage: it is necessary if in a spontaneous or natural abortion the embryo and other tissues have not been completely expelled. In this way it is possible to avoid infections and complications.
Risks of getting a curettage
Although this technique is widely practiced and usually does not represent risks, there may be cases where situations such as:
- Infection: one of the most likely to occur, even by the same bacteria as the woman. Instruments that are inserted or germs found in the vagina can enter the uterus causing an infection.
- Tears: can be generated by manipulation or dilation of the cervix at the time of curettage. It is solved at the moment, sewing said tear or in surgery if it is very extensive.
- Bleeding: Because it is a wound, you have to be very attentive the first month after curettage to bleeding; normally there are no hemorrhages but it may be the case, so you have to be very attentive to heavy bleeding.
Recovery and how to take care of yourself after a uterine curettage
Recovery tends to be a simple one and these are tips for taking care of yourself after a uterine curettage. Within at least 24 hours you should stay in bed to avoid bleeding. At this time, you may have symptoms after a curettage:
- Abdominal pains or cramping.
- Back pain.
- Pain in the pelvic area.
After 24 hours of rest, it is necessary to start walking to gradually return to the routine, however it is necessary to have special care for at least 15 days after curettage, however, it is recommended to keep all these activities retained for a period of 30 days or 1 month.
During the first two weeks after, bleeding occurs which is normal due to the sensitivity of the area after the manipulation and procedure itself, however the bleeding should not be abundant and if accompanied by dizziness or clots it is important to go to your doctor.
If the curettage was performed by a spontaneous abortion, it is of the utmost importance to monitor the affected by possible depressions due to the emotional shock so strong, sometimes needing psychological therapy.
Another recommendation after a curettage is that you avoid the use of tampons for vaginal bleeding. Keep in mind that your menstrual cycle will normalize in a period of 2 to 6 weeks after curettage, however the use of sanitary napkins is recommended the first rule after this procedure.
It is not advisable to have sex after a curettage within 15 days. Remember that the tissue is very weak, making you susceptible to infections or spills.
It is also advisable that you leave aside the douches and only shower normally, as well as that you avoid intense physical exercise, such as extensive walks or weight lifting.
