Curettage is generally performed by women who have had a miscarriage. Although this procedure is relatively safe, the side effects of curettage still need to be anticipated. This aims to prevent various complications that may occur due to curettage.
Curettage or curettage is a medical procedure to remove the remaining tissue left in the uterus. In addition, doctors also perform a curettage to find the cause of vaginal bleeding and diagnose certain conditions, such as uterine cancer.
However, not all women can undergo a curettage procedure. There are several conditions that make a woman not recommended to undergo this procedure, for example:
- uterine infection
- Pelvic inflammation
- Blood clotting disorders
- Allergy to anesthetics
In addition to the various conditions above, women who suffer from certain diseases, such as heart disease or lung disease, are also not recommended to undergo curettage.
Various Side Effects of Curette
If performed by a competent doctor, curettage is a relatively safe procedure and rarely causes complications. However, that does not mean that curettage has no side effects or risks at all.
For several days after the curettage is performed, several complaints will appear, such as:
- Cramping or mild pelvic pain similar to menstrual cramps
- Bleeding from the vagina
- Nausea and dizziness due to the side effects of the anesthetic
In addition to the side effects of curettage, various complications can also occur, namely:
1. Uterine perforation
Uterine perforation can occur if a surgical instrument punctures and causes a hole in the uterus. This is more common in women who are pregnant for the first time or have gone through menopause. If the wound in the uterus affects organs or blood vessels, surgery may be needed to treat it.
2. Damage to the cervix
If the cervix or cervix is torn during the curettage procedure, the doctor will generally apply pressure or medication to stop the bleeding. Next, the tear will be closed with stitches.
3. Growing scar tissue on the uterine wall
The formation of scar tissue in the uterus due to a curettage procedure is also known as Asherman's syndrome. This rare condition is more at risk for women if the curettage is performed after a miscarriage or childbirth.
The growth of scar tissue in the uterus can cause menstrual cycles to become abnormal, stop, or be accompanied by pain. In addition, this condition can also increase the risk of miscarriage in future pregnancies. Generally, this condition can be treated with surgery.
4. Uterine infection
One of the side effects of curettage that can occur is uterine infection. This condition causes symptoms of fever, abdominal pain, discharge of pus or blood from the vagina, and vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor.
To treat it, the doctor will usually give antibiotics. However, in cases of severe uterine infection, surgery may be necessary.
5. Severe bleeding
Severe bleeding due to curettage is actually quite rare. However, this condition can occur if the curettage causes severe injuries to the uterine wall or if you have a blood clotting disorder.
If you have recently had a curettage, you should immediately consult a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Stomach cramps that last for 2 days
- Abdominal pain that is getting worse
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding or clotting
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
Recovery After Curettage Procedure
Generally, women who have undergone curettage are able to return to their activities within 1-2 days. However, the length of recovery generally varies. Some women may take longer to recover after the curettage.
To speed up the recovery process after curettage, there are several things you can do, including:
- Avoid sexual intercourse for 2 weeks or until your condition is declared cured by a doctor. This is to prevent uterine infection.
- Use pads to reduce bleeding. However, avoid using tampons and vaginal cleaning products for at least 2 weeks after the curettage procedure.
- Limit activities and avoid lifting heavy weights while recovering.
- Check with your doctor regularly to make sure the uterus returns to its normal size and there is no infection in the cervix.
Before undergoing a curettage procedure, you need to consult a gynecologist first. The doctor will find out the cause of the complaints and disorders you are experiencing to determine whether a curettage is needed or not.