A dilatation and curettage, also called a D and C, is one way to evaluate uterine problems in women. It is a minor surgery performed in a hospital with anesthesia. The opening of the womb, called the cervix, is slowly dilated or opened more to allow a spoon-like or a straw-like instrument into the uterus. The lining of the uterus is lightly scraped, or curetted, to get a piece of lining. This sample of lining is evaluated for disease.

The reasons a D and C may be done include:
* heavy bleeding, as can happen after a birth,
* a large uterus,
* scarring of the opening of the womb, and
* an early pregnancy loss, or miscarriage.

Today, an endometrial sampling often replaces the D and C procedure. To perform an endometrial sampling, a sample of the inner layer of the uterine wall is removed using a tiny straw-like tube. The test is simple and no anesthesia is needed. Mild pain and dizziness may occur for a short time after the sample is taken.

This test may be needed for:
* periods that occur too often or are too heavy,
* bleeding after menopause,
* being unable to get pregnant, or
* checking the outcome of a treatment.

If an edometrial sampling cannot be done easily and safely in the office, a D and C may be done instead.

These tests have become important as more women are getting care for problems that can now easily identified. As a result, fewer surgeries are necessary each year.

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