Patient's question:
If the medication abortion is not complete, will it be very painful to go to the hospital for a D&C? Does the D&C require a hospital stay?Doctor's answer:
After the D&C surgery, you should be observed for 2 hours, paying attention to vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain. If there are no adverse reactions, you can go home. You need to rest for 2 weeks and avoid catching a cold or getting a flu. Eat more nutritious foods to help your body recover as quickly as possible.For a period after the D&C surgery, the wound on the endometrium has not yet healed, the cervix is still relaxed, and the original mucus plug (which prevents bacteria from entering the uterine cavity) has been removed, while a new mucus plug has not yet formed. If you do not pay attention to hygiene in the external genital area, bacteria from the vagina can easily enter the uterine cavity, causing infection. Therefore, it is essential to maintain cleanliness in the external genital area. Wash with warm water 1-2 times a day and change sanitary pads and toilet paper frequently. Do not take baths for 2 weeks or until vaginal bleeding stops. Avoid sexual activity for 1 month to prevent infections of the reproductive organs.
If you have fever, abdominal pain, or abnormal odors in vaginal discharge, it may be due to infection, and you should seek medical attention promptly.
After the D&C surgery, when the placenta is detached, small amounts of bleeding may remain on the uterine wall. This bleeding usually stops gradually within 3-5 days as the uterus contracts and the wound heals, but it should not exceed 10-15 days. If the vaginal bleeding exceeds the amount of menstrual blood or lasts for an extended period, you should seek medical attention promptly.
Most women regain ovulation about 1 month after the D&C surgery, followed by the return of menstruation. Therefore, once sexual activity resumes, you should take contraceptive measures to avoid pregnancy again.