You recently had a Dilation & Curettage – D&C- that’s excellent news. But, sadly, weeks later, you’re still feeling excruciating pain in your abdomen. A discomfort that won’t go away even after taking your pain medication. Is it OK to feel abdominal pain after D&C? Some abdominal pain/discomfort shouldn’t worry you after the procedure.
Let’s explore how normal the pain should be and possible remedies.
Abdominal Pain after D&C-Is It A Cause For Alarm?
Vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain are expected after undergoing a d&c. This is a minor surgical procedure, and there has to be abdominal discomfort as your uterus lining heals. If you’re experiencing abdominal pain after d & c, it is OK to feel so for a few days. However, any severe pain that doesn’t subside after taking pain medication points to an underlying medical issue that needs urgent attention.
Why Do You Need A D&C?
Dilation and curettage(d&c)is a minor operation where your doctor scraps the uterus lining using a curette. Some of the reasons why your gynaecologist may recommend a d& c include:
‣‣ For treatment
1. After a miscarriage or abortion
Most abortion miscarriages happening after ten weeks of pregnancy are incomplete. Such may leave tissues in the uterus causing infections and vaginal bleeding. To avert this situation, your doctor conducts a d&c to clean the uterus.
2. Removing molar/ tumor pregnancy
If your doctor confirms a molar pregnancy after conducting an ultrasound, he may perform a d&c to remove molar tissues from the uterus.
3. Treating excessive vaginal bleeding
Overgrown tissues in the uterus or tissue remains may cause severe bleeding. A d&c treats bleeding by clearing the uterus of any left-over cells.
4. Removal of cervical polyps and fibroids
Your doctor may suggest a d&c to remove polyps -finger-like growths – resulting from female hormone overgrowth. According to the Canadian cancer society, polyps are the most common non-cancerous cervical tumor.
D&C for diagnosing medical issues
A d&c procedure helps in diagnosing conditions such as:
- Unusual uterine/vaginal bleeding
- Uterine cancer
- Cervical growths, including Polyps and fibroids
- Unusual endometrial cells
- Bleeding after menopause
- Bleeding between menstrual cycles
Is Stomach Pain Normal After D&C?
A pain or abdominal discomfort lasting up to 6 days after d& c is normal. This includes period–like abdominal cramps as your uterus heals, and it should be manageable using painkillers.
However, any prolonged pain that doesn’t subside after taking medication is a risk factor.
Possible Types of Abdominal Pain After D&C
You may feel pain at different points in your abdomen sometimes. The most common types of abdominal pain after undergoing a d&c are as follows:
1. Right side pain after d&c
The upper quadrant houses your right kidney, gallbladder and bile duct. Unless you’re experiencing after-effects of anaesthesia, it’s rare to have right abdominal pain after d&c because the procedure touches on the cervix, uterus and vag.
2. Left abdominal pain after d&c
The left side of your abdomen carries the pancreas, spleen, stomach and left kidney. You may feel left-side pain after a d&c, and such period-like cramps are normal. Often, pain medications are effective in easing the discomfort.
3. Lower abdominal pain
lower abdominal pain, characterized by cramping and diarrhoea, is related to the digestive and reproductive system, including the uterus, vag, cervix and pelvis. Since a d&c involves the three organs, you may experience lower abdominal pain.
Why Do I Feel Abdominal Cramps After D&C?
Dilation and curettage is a minor surgical procedure that takes 5-10 minutes and comes with minimal complications. Abdominal pain after undergoing the process could be due to the following reasons:
1. Infection
Excessive abdominal pain is one sign of possible infection after d&c. Though rare, infected pelvic organs and uterus could translate to a prolonged, painful stomach.
2. Uterine perforation
As your doctor performs a d&c, he may accidentally prick the uterus using surgical instruments. This may cause discomfort and abdominal pain due to perforation on your uterine walls. Your doctor may use an ultrasound to detect perforations.
3. Cervical tears/injury
Primarily, the cervix contains delicate fibromuscular tissues. While it interconnects the uterus and vagina, it can easily tear as your doctor uses the dilator and curettage. If you have a d&c and are concerned about abdominal pain, let your doctor rule out the possibility of a cervical injury.
Complications like vaginal bleeding, or nausea/vomiting due to anaesthesia, could arise like other surgical procedures. While you should expect some degree of pain afterwards, watch out for excessive pain, which is treatable by your healthcare provider.
Does D& C Hurt?
Since your surgeon will administer anesthesia before starting the operation, the process is painless. However, your body needs to recover afterwards, so you may feel some manageable pain which should gradually subside with time.
Must I Have A D&C After Miscarriage?
No. Not all miscarriages/abortions warrant a D&c. For women who miscarry before ten weeks, the process happens naturally. If it takes place when the pregnancy is ten weeks and above, there’s a risk of incidences of left-over tissues, necessitating a d&c.
Tips For Alleviating Stomach Or Abdominal Pain After D&C.
If the pain is still sharp, the following are ways that can improve it:
1. Eat moderately
It’s wise to eat small amounts of food that’s easy to digest. Also, foods with smooth consistency are good as they won’t put pressure on your already-uncomfortable abdomen.
2. Take lots of rest
You just had a minor surgery and require ample time to heal. Rest and avoid tedious activities to speed up your body’s recovery. Some good music helps in soothing pain.
4. Stay hydrated
A well-hydrated body heals better. Take lots of fluids, especially plain water, natural fruit juices and healthy beverages. According to WebMD, water helps with bowel movement, which worsens abdominal pain. Water with electrolytes is also a great option.
5. Heat therapy
Heat is effective in soothing any painful area of your body. Place a heating pad, hot water bottle or heated bag on your stomach to get some relief.
6. Take pain medication religiously.
There are many pain medications on the market to curb discomfort. However, ask your doctor for the most suitable one for your issue. Remember, it’s advisable to take pain meds temporarily. If the pain persists, visit a health facility.
5. Minimize/cut the intake of alcohol and caffeinated drinks
Drinks with caffeine and alcohol may worsen the pain. Take small amounts or avoid them altogether.
When Is It Time To Call Your Doctor?
The above tips help you to manage abdominal pain at home. Talk to your doctor if you experience the symptoms below:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding where your sanitary pads soak wet after 20-30minutes.
- High fever over 100degrees or body chills.
- Lower abdominal pain that doesn’t respond to medication.
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Dizziness and general body weakness
Wrapping Up
Are you still wondering, “Is it normal to have abdominal pain after d&c?”
In summary, some degree of pain is standard after undergoing this minor surgery. The procedure is helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of various issues in the uterus, vag or cervix.
That said, you’re justified to feel concerned if you feel excess, prolonged abdominal pain after d&c, as it could be a symptom of cervical tear, uterus perforation or infection. Take your pain medications, use a heating pad to ease pain, and hydrate to enhance healing in your uterine walls. If the pain lingers, seek medical advice from a health specialist.