D&C, dilation and curettage, can be literally described as the procedure which involves the dilation (opening) of the cervix and surgical removal of the contents of the uterus. It is basically a remedial gynecological procedure, which is rarely used in case of first trimester abortion. In case of pregnancy, the body of a female produces a hormone called hCG. This hormone has the aim of holding back the pituitary gland from producing other hormones that result in the arousal of ovulation (release of an egg). D&C leads to a fall in hCG and in turn, initiates the process of ovulation.
Menstrual Cycles after D&C
When a D&C is performed, the pregnancy tissue is removed and the hCG level in the female body drops. As the hCG levels of a female falls, the pituitary gland again starts producing the stimulatory hormones LH and FSH. With the secretion of the hormones, the ovulation also resumes. However, for the resuming of the periods after D&C, the hCG levels must come down to zero. The time taken in the resumption may vary, depending upon the value of hCG present in the body before the miscarriage.
If, at the time of the D&C, the hCG levels were low, a female will start ovulating 2-3 weeks after the procedure. In some of the cases, a small amount of placental tissue is left after D&C and leads to persistent bleeding, along with a delay in the fall of hCG levels and the resultant return to ovulation. In such circumstances, the first ovulation might take place anywhere between three and six weeks after the D&C. Since the process of ovulation in a female usually starts two weeks before the period, she can get pregnant even before her first post-D&C menses.
