What Is the Meaning of DNC? Understanding Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

October 1, 2025 •

4 min read

While 'DNC' is a common misspelling, the correct medical term is D&C, which stands for Dilation and Curettage. This is a frequent outpatient gynecological procedure used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, such as addressing abnormal uterine bleeding or managing the aftermath of a miscarriage. An estimated one million D&C procedures are performed in the United States annually.

Quick Summary

D&C, or Dilation and Curettage, is a gynecological procedure to remove tissue from the uterus by dilating the cervix and using a curette. It addresses abnormal bleeding, removes uterine polyps, and clears the uterus after miscarriage or childbirth.

Key Points

Correction of Terminology: 'DNC' is a common misspelling of the correct medical term 'D&C,' which stands for Dilation and Curettage.
Purpose: A D&C is a minor surgical procedure to remove tissue from the lining of the uterus, serving both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Common Indications: It is used to diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding, remove uterine polyps, and clear the uterus of tissue after a miscarriage or childbirth.
Procedure Steps: The process involves dilating the cervix and using a curette (scraping tool) or suction device to remove the uterine tissue.
Recovery: After the outpatient procedure, mild cramping and light bleeding are normal for a few days, and most women can resume normal activities quickly.
Potential Risks: Although complications are rare, risks include infection, uterine perforation, and the development of scar tissue (Asherman's syndrome).

What is a Dilation and Curettage (D&C)?

In the medical context, when someone refers to a 'DNC,' they are almost always referring to a D&C or Dilation and Curettage. This procedure involves two key steps performed by a gynecologist: dilation (widening) of the cervix, and curettage (removing tissue from the uterine lining). The removal of tissue is typically done using a scraping tool called a curette or a suction device. The entire process is a relatively quick, minor surgical procedure often performed in an outpatient setting, such as a doctor's office, clinic, or hospital.

The tissue removed during a D&C is sent to a laboratory for analysis. This allows a pathologist to examine the tissue for signs of abnormal cells, precancerous changes, or other conditions. A D&C may also be combined with a hysteroscopy, where a thin, lighted instrument with a camera is inserted into the uterus to allow the doctor to visualize the uterine lining directly.

Common Reasons for a D&C

There are several reasons a doctor may recommend a D&C, which can be categorized into diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Diagnostic Reasons:

Investigating Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: A D&C helps determine the cause of heavy, prolonged, or irregular bleeding that does not respond to other treatments.
Screening for Cancer: The procedure can obtain tissue samples to check for precancerous conditions or endometrial cancer, especially in women with postmenopausal bleeding.
Evaluating Infertility: It can be part of an infertility investigation to assess the health of the uterine lining.

Therapeutic Reasons:

Following a Miscarriage: If not all of the fetal tissue is naturally expelled from the uterus, a D&C can prevent infection or heavy bleeding.
Treating Postpartum Hemorrhage: After childbirth, a D&C can remove remaining pieces of the placenta that cause excessive bleeding.
Removing Uterine Polyps or Fibroids: The procedure can remove noncancerous growths in the uterine lining that cause problematic symptoms.
Managing Molar Pregnancy: A D&C is used to remove a non-viable tumor that can form instead of a normal pregnancy.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Before a D&C, your doctor will provide specific instructions, which may include fasting for several hours. You will also discuss the type of anesthesia to be used. Options typically include local anesthesia to numb the cervix, or sedation/general anesthesia for a sleep-like state.

Positioning: You will lie on an exam table with your feet in stirrups, similar to a standard pelvic exam.
Speculum Insertion: A speculum is used to hold the vaginal walls apart so the doctor can visualize the cervix.
Cervical Dilation: The cervix is gradually opened using a series of increasingly thicker rods called dilators. In some cases, medication may be used beforehand to soften the cervix.
Curettage: Once the cervix is sufficiently dilated, the doctor inserts a curette or suction device through the opening to remove tissue from the uterine lining.
Recovery: After the instruments are removed, you will spend a few hours in a recovery room to be monitored before going home.

Recovery and Aftercare

Following the procedure, it's normal to experience mild cramping and light bleeding or spotting for a few days. Pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication as recommended by your doctor. To prevent infection, you will likely be advised to avoid using tampons or having sexual intercourse for a couple of weeks. Most people can return to their normal daily activities within a day or two, though strenuous activity should be avoided for a short period. Your next menstrual cycle may be different from the norm as your uterine lining rebuilds.

Benefits vs. Risks of a D&C


Aspect	Benefits	Risks (though rare)
Diagnosis	Provides definitive tissue samples to diagnose causes of abnormal bleeding, polyps, or cancer.	Potential for infection or uterine perforation during tissue sampling.
Treatment	Clears the uterus of residual tissue after miscarriage, abortion, or childbirth, preventing infection and hemorrhage.	Scar tissue formation (Asherman's syndrome), which can affect fertility or menstrual cycles.
Emotional	Offers a faster and more predictable resolution for miscarriage than expectant management, allowing for quicker emotional and physical healing for some individuals.	Emotional distress related to the underlying medical condition or procedure itself.
Minimally Invasive	Performed on an outpatient basis with minimal damage to tissues, leading to a relatively quick recovery.	Damage to the cervix during dilation, although this is uncommon and treatable.

Conclusion

Understanding the correct meaning of D&C is important for anyone researching uterine health procedures. A Dilation and Curettage is a safe and common gynecological procedure with both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. By providing a clear path to diagnosis for conditions like abnormal bleeding or effectively treating complications from a miscarriage, it plays a vital role in women's health. While it carries some rare risks, such as infection or scarring, these are typically outweighed by the benefits of a timely and accurate diagnosis or the prevention of more serious health issues. Always consult with a healthcare provider to discuss whether a D&C is the right option for your specific situation. For more information, visit the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no medical procedure called 'DNC' in this context. People often use 'DNC' mistakenly when referring to 'D&C,' which is the correct abbreviation for Dilation and Curettage.

The D&C procedure itself is quite short, typically lasting between 10 and 30 minutes. However, the total time spent at the clinic or hospital, including preparation and recovery, may be a few hours.

Pain is typically not an issue during the procedure because you will receive anesthesia, which can be local, regional, or general. Mild cramping and discomfort can occur afterward but can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Asherman's syndrome is a rare condition involving the formation of scar tissue in the uterus. It is a potential risk of D&C, especially when performed after a miscarriage or delivery, but can often be treated surgically.

Because a D&C removes the uterine lining, your next menstrual period may be delayed or arrive earlier than expected as your body rebuilds the lining. Subsequent cycles should return to normal.

Doctors typically recommend refraining from sexual intercourse and tampon use for at least two weeks after the procedure to prevent infection while the cervix heals. Your doctor will give specific guidance.

A D&C typically does not affect fertility. In rare cases, complications like severe uterine scarring (Asherman's syndrome) can occur, but this is uncommon and often treatable.

You should contact your doctor if you experience heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in an hour), severe or worsening abdominal pain, fever, chills, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.