When is a curette used

The uterus sheds its lining each month during menstruation, unless a fertilized egg ovum becomes implanted and pregnancy follows. Two female reproductive organs located in the pelvis in which egg cells ova develop and are stored and where the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced. The lower, narrow part of the uterus located between the bladder and the rectum, forming a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the body.

Vagina also called the birth canal. The passageway through which fluid passes out of the body during menstrual periods. The vagina connects the cervix and the vulva the external genitalia. Fallopian tube. Two thin tubes that extend from each side of the uterus, toward the ovaries, as a passageway for eggs and sperm. With each menstrual cycle, the endometrium prepares itself to nourish a fetus, as increased levels of estrogen and progesterone help to thicken its walls.

If implantation of the fertilized egg does not occur, the lining of the endometrium, coupled with blood and mucus from the vagina and cervix the lower, narrow part of the uterus located between the bladder and the rectum , make up the menstrual flow also called menses that leaves the body through the vagina. After menopause, menstruation stops and a woman should not have any bleeding. Causes of abnormal bleeding include the presence of abnormal tissues, such as fibroid tumors benign tumors that develop in the uterus, also called myomas polyps, or cancer of the endometrium or uterus.

Abnormal uterine bleeding may also be due a hormone imbalance or disorder particularly estrogen and progesterone especially in women approaching menopause or after menopause. Infection or heavy bleeding can occur if these tissues are not completely removed. Occasionally following childbirth, small pieces of the placenta afterbirth remain adhered to the endometrium and are not passed.

This can cause bleeding or infection. As with any surgical procedure, complications may occur. Patients who are allergic to or sensitive to medications, iodine, or latex should notify their doctor. If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should notify your health care provider. There may be other risks depending on your specific medical condition. Be sure to discuss any concerns with your doctor prior to the procedure.

Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and offer you the opportunity to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.

You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the procedure. Read the form carefully and ask questions if something is not clear. In addition to a complete medical history, your doctor may perform a complete physical examination to ensure you are in good health before undergoing the procedure.

You may undergo blood tests or other diagnostic tests. If your procedure requires general, spinal, or epidural anesthesia, you will be asked to fast for eight hours before the procedure, generally after midnight. If your procedure is to be done under local anesthesia, your doctor will give you instructions about fasting.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant, you should notify your health care provider. He or she may recommend a pregnancy test prior to the procedure. Notify your doctor if you are sensitive to or are allergic to any medications, iodine, latex, tape, and anesthetic agents local and general.

Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. A general inspection of the vulva and walls of the vagina is performed. A speculum is inserted, so the walls of the vagina can be seen.

The cervix is gently widened using surgical dilators, which allows samples to be taken from the lining of the uterus. The samples are sent to the laboratory for investigation. If you have had a general anaesthetic, you will need someone to take you home. You will be given instructions about self-care after the procedure.

The treating team will arrange followup. These include damage to the uterus, cervix or other pelvic organs. All minor procedures are accompanied by some risk.

Some women will experience a urinary tract infection. You may have a reaction to the medications used, such as allergic reaction to the general anaesthesia.

In some cases, your provider might start dilating your cervix a few hours or even a day before the procedure. To promote dilation, your provider may use a medication called misoprostol Cytotec — given orally or vaginally — to soften the cervix. Another dilation method is to insert a slender rod made of laminaria into your cervix. The laminaria gradually expands by absorbing fluid in your cervix, causing your cervix to open. Then your provider inserts a series of rods dilators of increasing thickness to open dilate your cervix and allow access to your uterus.

Next, your provider inserts a long, thin instrument curette through your cervix into your uterus and carefully removes the tissue lining the inside of the uterus. For dilation and curettage, you'll receive anesthesia. This also gives you time to recover from the effects of anesthesia. For discomfort from cramping, your provider might suggest taking ibuprofen Advil, Motrin IB, others or another medication. To prevent infection, don't put anything in your vagina until your provider says it's OK.

Ask when you can use tampons and resume sexual activity. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Female reproductive system Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Female reproductive system The ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix and vagina vaginal canal make up the female reproductive system.