What should you know about D&C procedure after menopause?

After menopause, a D&C may sample or remove tissue from the womb to investigate bleeding or an abnormal lining. D&C means dilation and curettage: the cervix is gently opened and tissue is collected from inside the womb. The sample is sent for examination so your clinician can clarify the cause of bleeding or thickening.

Postmenopausal bleeding needs assessment because the womb lining should not routinely shed after periods have stopped. An ultrasound, examination or womb-lining sample may come before a D&C. During the procedure, anaesthesia is used, and the clinician passes instruments through the vagina and cervix rather than making an abdominal incision. A D&C does not automatically mean cancer has been found; the tissue result determines what happens next.

You may have cramping, light bleeding or watery discharge afterwards. The timing of results and your recovery instructions depend on the facility and the findings.

Tell the care team about medicines, allergies, bleeding problems and any possibility of pregnancy, even after periods have stopped. Ask which medicines to pause and when to stop eating or drinking. Arrange transport if sedation or general anaesthesia is planned. At home, use pads if needed, follow the prescribed pain plan, and avoid putting anything in the vagina until your clinician says it is suitable. Keep the follow-up appointment to discuss the tissue result.

Contact your care team promptly for bleeding that becomes heavy or does not settle, worsening abdominal pain, fever, chills, foul-smelling discharge, faintness, or difficulty passing urine. Seek urgent help for severe pain, collapse, breathing trouble or sudden heavy bleeding. Any bleeding after menopause should be reported, including bleeding that occurs once or after a long interval without periods.

Ask why a D&C is recommended, what alternatives could answer the same question, which anaesthetic is planned, when normal activities can resume, how results will be shared, and what further treatment might follow. You can also ask whether symptoms such as [Vaginal Dryness](/symptoms/vaginal-dryness/) or [Periods Stopped](/symptoms/periods-stopped/) affect the assessment.