Dilation and Curettage (D&C)

Adhesions: Scars that can make tissue surfaces stick together. Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual periods in women of reproductive age. Anesthesia: Relief of pain by loss of sensation.Cells: The smallest units of a structure in the body. Cells are the building blocks for all parts of the body.Cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus at the top of the vagina.Hysteroscopy: A procedure in which a lighted telescope is inserted into the uterus through the cervix to view the inside of the uterus or perform surgery. Laminaria: Slender rods made of natural or synthetic material that expand when they absorb water. Laminaria are inserted into the opening of the cervix to widen it.Menstrual Period: The monthly shedding of blood and tissue from the uterus. Miscarriage: Loss of a pregnancy that is in the uterus.Speculum: An instrument used to hold open the walls of the vagina.Uterus: A muscular organ in the female pelvis. During pregnancy, this organ holds and nourishes the fetus.