Many women suffer from abnormalities in various locations in their bodies. This can include polyps, cysts, and other tissues that are growing in unwanted places. Treatment for these types of conditions can differ depending on what’s being treated.
Minimally invasive surgeries are an option to remove tissues or cysts from the body. However, it can be difficult to know the difference between a D&C and a hysteroscopy if the procedures haven’t been explained in detail to you. Read on to learn about the differences between the two and which health conditions they’re typically used for.
What Is a D&C?
A dilation and curettage (D&C) is a surgical procedure to remove tissue from a woman’s uterus lining. During the D&C procedure, a doctor can do the following:
- Identify and treat various uterine conditions, like heavy bleeding
- Remove the uterine lining after an abortion or miscarriage
The physician will use medication or small instruments to open the narrow, lower part of a woman’s cervix. They’ll use a curette, which is a small suction device or a sharp instrument, to remove the tissue in the uterus.
What Is a Hysteroscopy?
A hysteroscopy procedure enables a doctor to visually look at the uterus lining. The physician will insert a camera and lit tube into the vagina and through the cervix and into the uterus.
There are two main types of hysteroscopy:
- Operative Hysteroscopy: Fix an abnormal condition
- Diagnostic Hysteroscopy: Find problems in the uterus or confirm results shown in other tests
A hysteroscopy test is typically used to diagnose why bleeding in the uterus is occurring.
What’s the Difference Between a D&C and a Hysteroscopy?
Many people use the terms hysteroscopy and D&C interchangeably. However, there are some key differences between the two procedures.
One of the main differences is that a hysteroscopy is performed to investigate symptoms a woman is having, such as:
- Repeated miscarriage
- Infertility
- Pelvic pain
- Post-menopausal bleeding
- Heavy periods
Physicians can utilize other instruments to treat the cause of these symptoms while performing a hysteroscopy. This procedure provides them with a minimally invasive way to determine what’s causing the issues.
A D&C is usually performed after a woman suffers from a miscarriage after the 10-week mark. If a woman miscarries after that point, there is a higher chance the miscarriage won’t be complete. A D&C ensures that the uterus is cleared of all tissues.
D&Cs can also be performed in the following scenarios:
- Post-abortion
- Remove non-cancerous uterine or cervical polyps
Schedule an Appointment at Women’s Health Clinic in Boise
It’s important to know the difference between a D&C and a hysteroscopy. They are two different types of procedures that are sometimes used hand in hand. Your doctor should explain what each procedure entails if they believe you would benefit from one of them.
Women’s Health Associates in Boise is the leading provider of preventative and reproductive care. Our caring staff members and physicians look forward to welcoming you into our compassionate office. Contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your health.
