After your surgery, you will have recovery
time right in the room your procedure was done in. No need to move to
another room to recover. You will be given a blanket, heating pad, and
offered juice and a light snack if you desire.
Your recovery time is really a short period of your time in our office.
You will be surprised how quickly you will recover from your procedure.
After your recovery time, you will have another chance to speak with the
doctor in the privacy of his office, to go over your post-op instructions
and medications, including birth control.
Finally, and very important, you will make an appointment for
your post-op check-up. You can come back to our office in three
weeks, and see the doctor, or our nurse practitioner or nurse midwife.
Your other option is to make an appointment with your own gynecologist
in three weeks. This is a very important appointment to make sure you
have healed, and make sure you are using the method of birth control that
is right for you.
Recovery Time
You should rest as much as possible on the day of your D&C. You may feel tired for a few days and should avoid strenuous physical activity, such as vigorous exercise or heavy lifting, but may resume normal activities the day after your procedure.
Birth Control
After the D&C, you will still be fertile. If you have unprotected sex, you can become pregnant again in as little as 10 days after the D&C. If you do not want to become pregnant, be sure to start using a reliable method of birth control.
If you have been given a sample package of birth control pills, begin them the first Sunday after your procedure. Before taking your first pill be sure you read and understand the instruction booklet enclosed with the pill pack.
Prevention of infection
To prevent infection, we will give you antibiotics to take after your procedure. Be sure to start taking the antibiotics today and take them as directed. It is important to finish all of the antibiotics, even if you feel fine. Take all other medications, if given, as directed.
To prevent infection, do NOT insert anything into the vagina for 3 weeks. This includes, but is not limited to, tampons, douching, and intercourse. You may use normal menstrual pads and take baths and showers.
Possible symptoms after your D&C
Fever
If you suspect fever, please check your temperature using a thermometer. If your temperature exceeds 100°F, please call our office.
Bleeding
It is perfectly normal to have some bleeding after a D&C. It may differ from your usual menstrual bleeding. Don't be alarmed if there is no bleeding. Normal bleeding can be any of the following:
| a. | No bleeding |
| b. | Spotting (can persist for up to 4 weeks) |
| c. | Heavy flow for a few days |
| d. | Bleeding that stops and then starts up again |
| e. | Your next regular period will usually begin again in 4 to 6 weeks |
Call us if you have abnormal bleeding. Abnormal bleeding is soaking through one or more maxi pads per hour for more than 2 hours, or continued bleeding for more than 10 days after the D&C. Remember, spotting is normal and can last up to 4 weeks after the D&C.
After a D&C, it is not unusual to pass a few clots that are the size of a quarter. Call us if you begin to pass large amounts of clots or clots that are larger than a half dollar.
Cramping
It is not uncommon to have cramps for the first week after the D&C, particularly if you are also passing clots. Too much vigorous activity after the D&C can increase cramping. Use a heating pad, ibuprofen (Motrin), Aleve, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) and get some rest for relief.
Three Week Follow-Up
It is very important that you have a checkup in 3 weeks after the D&C. This visit is to make sure that you are not still pregnant and are not having any complications. If you do not want to have the follow-up visit here, you must make follow-up arrangements with your personal physician. A sample and/or prescription for birth control products, if desired, will be given to you at this time.
Emergencies
If you think that you have a life-threatening emergency, call an ambulance or go to the nearest emergency room. If possible, please call us first if you have any emergency related to your D&C. When calling us, it is most helpful if you call rather than a friend or relative calling on your behalf. If you are having a complication from your D&C, we can usually take care of the problem here at the office.
When To Call - If you have any of the following problems, be sure to call us or your doctor as soon as possible:
| a. | Temperature of 100°F or more |
| b. | Abnormally heavy bleeding (soaking through one or more maxi pads per hour for more than 2 hours) |
| c. | Severe abdominal pain or cramping |
| d. | Rash or hives after taking the antibiotics |
| e. | Symptoms of pregnancy (breast tenderness or nausea) lasting for more than 2 weeks after the D&C |
| f. | Menstrual periods have not started up again by 6 weeks after the D&C |
Please call us at (315) 432-1048 with any questions or concerns. We are always happy to help.
Information for Patients About Medications
When leaving today you will receive 1 or 2 of the following prescription medications checked below. It is important that you take all your medication as directed.
Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to prevent bacteria that live in the vagina from infecting the uterus. It is taken two times per day for seven days. Metronidazole is safe for penicillin allergic patients, but should not be taken by nursing mothers and patients with a known allergy to Metronidazole (also sold as Flagyl). Metronidazole may cause some abdominal discomfort and should be taken with or after meals. Patients taking Metronidazole should not drink alcohol.
Ergonovine is used to help keep the uterus contracted. After the pregnancy is removed, the uterus must contract in order to prevent vessels that supplied the pregnancy from bleeding. It is taken four times per day for three days. People with unstable high blood pressure should not take Ergonovine. Some patients will experience leg cramps, headache and nausea with Ergonovine. If these symptoms occur, you should stop taking the Ergonovine.
Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to prevent bacteria that live in the vagina from infecting the uterus. It is taken two times per day for five days. Doxycycline is safe for penicillin allergic patients, but should not be taken by nursing mothers and patients with a known allergy to Tetracycline. You should not sunbathe while taking doxycycline. Doxycycline may cause some abdominal discomfort and can be taken with meals.
