For How Long Can Bleeding Be Expected After D&C Procedure?

Posted on Wed, 25 May 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 25 May 2016 Answered on

Wed, 29 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter had a D&C two weeks ago, and she is moderately bleeding. For how long should this continue? We had called her doctor, and she said that it could be a period already.

Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It depends on why your daughter had the D and C

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I would be happy to answer your question today.

If your daughter had a D and C for something related to pregnancy, it is normal to bleed on and off for even up to 4 weeks before resuming a normal period cycle.

If she had a D and C for a different reason- like a gynecological problem of the uterus like a fibroid or polyp removal, there can be bleeding for up to 2 weeks after the procedure but it should not be heavy, unless it is her menstrual period.

So I hope this information was able to adequately answer your question. If you desire a more specific answer,
please tell me a bit more about your daughter's procedure, like when it was performed and for what reason, and I may be able to provide further assistance.

Thank you for using healthcaremagic.com and please do not hesitate to contact me further.

Best wishes,

Dr. Brown

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Jacqueline Brown (1 hour later)

The D&C was performed and a removal of a polyp took place. She had been bleeding heavily for five weeks prior to the surgery. After the procedure she had light and intermittent bleeding for two weeks, which seems to have continued into a menstrual period. Her concern deals with the flow, which has gone from light to a more usual flow, along with some clotting and hard cramping. Also, the length of this "period" (six days at this point) is longer than what has been the usual length of her periods before her problems began. Is this still within the parameters of normal after this procedure? Thank you for your help!

Answered by Dr. Jacqueline Brown (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it is reasonable for her to still be bleeding

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and for getting back to me. The additional information is very helpful.

When a polyp or other growth is removed from the uterus, there is usually a raw area inside the uterus that remains for a few weeks that has to heal, just like any other surgical incision. So it makes sense that her first period after the surgery may be heavier and last longer than normal due to the fact that the uterine lining has not repaired itself completely.

So I do not think your daughter needs to be worried but I would inform her doctor when he/she is available in case there were any additional concerns that the doctor might have. But I assure you that a woman's menstrual period is typically heavier and longer after gynecological surgery.

I hope this additional information was helpful and that your daughter feels better soon.

Regards,

Dr. Brown

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee