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Hysteroscopic Polypectomy and Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Patient Education
Published March 23, 2022
• Reviewed by a UI Health Care Provider
on Oct. 19, 2023

What are polyps?

Polyps are an overgrowth of tissue. They are very common, especially as you age. Most people do not know they have polyps.

  • People in menopause have more risk of getting uterine polyps.
  • Most polyps are benign (not cancer).  Some are pre-cancerous and some are cancerous.
  • Polyps can grow large.  This can put pressure on organs.  
  • Polyps can cause abnormal bleeding.

What is a hysteroscopic polypectomy?

It is a surgical procedure to take out uterine polyps.  It uses a small camera that is put into the uterus.  A cutting instrument extends from the camera and removes the polyp. The doctor can see it on a video monitor.

What is a D&C?

It is the slight widening of the opening of the uterus (cervix).  An instrument is used to scrape some or all of the lining of the uterus.  This tissue is sent to the lab to be tested to diagnose: 

  • Polyps
  • Infection
  • Hormone imbalances
  • Fibroid tumors
  • Cancer

It often takes less than 30 minutes to do both a hysteroscopic polypectomy and D&C.

After the hysteroscopic D&C

Most people have few symptoms. You may have some low abdominal cramping and back pain at first. These often feel better quickly. You may have some cramps on and off for a few days. Take medicines as prescribed for pain. Use an electric heating pad.

You may have some spotting or light bleeding for a few days. It should not be heavier than your normal period. A few people have no bleeding. Your bleeding should slowly become lighter in color, then stop.

If you still have periods, your next period should start at its normal time or within 4 weeks. Your next period may be lighter or heavier than normal.

Do not:

  • Exercise in a strenuous way, such as running, aerobics, or swimming.  Do not do these for at least 2 or 3 days.
  • Put anything into your vagina until your provider says it is okay.  This can be up to 2 weeks.  This includes:
  • Having sex
  • Using a douche
  • Using a tampon

This helps you heal safely.  It lowers your risk of infection or heavy bleeding.

You should:

  • Take a bath or shower each day, or however often is normal for you.
  • Change your sanitary pad 3 to 4 times each day while you have vaginal bleeding.
  • Take it easy for 2 to 3 days after your procedure.
  • This is a minor procedure but can be stressful for your body.  Rest to help you heal.
  • The day of your procedure, you need to go home and rest.  Sleep, read, watch TV, or do handwork the rest of the day.
  • The next day, your care team suggest light exercise. Try walking, easy stretching, or light housework.


Call:  

  • Obstetrics Gynecology Clinic at 319-356-2294 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.   
  • For urgent questions or concerns  
    • Call toll-free at 800-777-8442, 24 hours a day  
    • Ask for the gynecology resident on call.  
    • You may be asked some questions when using the toll-free number.  

Send a MyChart message for non-urgent questions or concerns.