If you’ve been researching abortion options, you may have come across a procedure called a dilation and curettage. This is a common and widely used treatment for abortion care.

Read on to learn more about a D&C in Brooklyn, NY, so that you can feel confident and empowered moving forward.

What is a D&C?

A dilation and curettage is a surgical abortion options used to end a pregnancy during the first trimester.

As the name implies, the procedure involves two main steps. First, dilation is performed to open and widen the cervix. Then curettage is performed, which involves a medical device to remove the tissue from the uterus.

Though the term curettage usually refers to scraping, modern procedures most commonly use gentle suction, which is considered more comfortable and safer.

When is a D&C in Brooklyn Used for Abortion?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a D&C for many reasons. Some patients prefer it because the procedure is fast and only requires a single visit.

This treatment is recommended if you prefer an in-clinic abortion, if the pregnancy is beyond the time frame for the abortion pill, or if you want minimal post-surgery symptoms.

For many women, the fact that the abortion is completed during the appointment rather than over the course of several hours or days is a huge perk.

What Happens During an Early Surgical Abortion

The procedure is performed in-office and takes 10-30 minutes. However, the entire appointment could take as long as an hour, depending on preparation and recovery.

1. A quick consultation – Your appointment will start with a health review, pregnancy confirmation, and a discussion of your options. This is your time to ask any questions you may have.
2. Preparation – You’ll then be given pain medication, local anesthesia to numb the cervix, and medication to help you relax and stay calm. Some clinics offer light sedation.
3. The procedure begins – First, your provider will perform cervical dilation using either medication or medical instructions. Then a thin, sterile tube that’s connected to a suction device is inserted into the uterus to remove pregnancy tissue.

Before the procedure is over, your provider will check your uterus to ensure it’s empty. Afterward you’ll rest in the clinic for up to an hour and then you can head home to complete your recovery.

What’s Recovery Like?

After a D&C in Brooklyn, you can return to your normal routine within a day or two. However, it will take a little longer for your body to heal entirely.

During the recovery period after an early surgical abortion, you may experience:

• Mild cramping – This is caused by the uterus contracting back to its normal size. You can use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.
• Light to moderate bleeding – It’s common to experience spotting, light bleeding, and occasional small clots. Bleeding can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks.
• Fatigue – Most women feel tired the day of the procedure. Plan to rest the rest of the day and focus on relaxing as much as possible.

Always listen to your body and if anything seems off, don’t hesitate to contact your provider. Things like heavy bleeding, severe pain, and fever may require medical attention.

Empathetic Care: We’re Here When You Need a D&C Near Brooklyn, NY

D&Cs have been used for decades. This abortion procedure offers the reassurance of a quick procedure and predictable recovery.

If you’re considering this treatment, come to Metropolitan Medical Associates, to get the quality, supportive care you deserve.

Call our office at 201-429-9748 to spealk with a member of our staff right away or book an appointment below to discuss treatment options and a way forward.