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Patient Education Topics

Gathered here are a collection of incisive articles, created for women, to focus on subjects relating to women's physical and emotional health and well-being. Topics under gynecologic conditions include causes, diagnosis, symptoms and possible treatment options of various issues in gynecologic health. Topics under the treatment category include a description of techniques and procedures in treatment options of gynecologic conditions.

It is our hope that this section may serve as a resource, helping you to be an informed partner in your own healthcare. The information is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic treatment.  While the information has been carefully reviewed, it is not intended to take the place of a discussion with your physician. The AAGL encourages you to contact your own physician for the appropriate care and treatment of your health.

The development of this patient education was supported by unrestricted educational grants by the healthcare companies listed below. We appreciate their support in allowing the AAGL to continue its mission to educate you about the quality healthcare options that are available.

American Medical Systems
Boston Scientific
Conceptus
Ethicon Endo-Surgery
Ethicon Women's Health & Urology
Intuitive Surgical
Karl Storz Endoscopy, America

CONDITIONS | TREATMENTS

Cryotherapy
Cystectomy
D&C

D&C

D&C stands for "dilatation and curettage", a procedure in which your doctor dilates or opens the cervix and scrapes the lining of the uterus. A D&C is often performed in cases of heavy, abnormal uterine bleeding, only for diagnostic and not for therapeutic purposes.

A D&C is often performed after a hysteroscopy where the doctor uses a hysteroscope to inspect the uterine cavity for visible growths and abnormalities.  A pathologist examines cells from the uterine lining under a microscope to determine the cause of abnormal bleeding, such as polyps, fibroids, hyperplasia, cancer or precancer.

A D&C may provide temporary relief from heavy bleeding.

References
 

  1. Dilation and Curettage. EMedicineHealth. 2007. www.emedicinehealth.com/dilation_and_curettage_dandc/article_em.htm
  2. Parker WH. A Gynecologist's Second Opinion. (c) 2003; A Plume Book; Published by the Penguin Group, New York, NY.

Reviewed:  March 2008.

 

Endometrial Ablation
Fibroid Treatments
Hysterectomy
Hysteroscopy
Incontinence Treatments
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopy
Laparotomy
Laser Surgery
LEEP (Loop Exectrosurgical Excision Precedure)
Oophorectomy
Operative Hysteroscopy
Ovarian Vein Embolization
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Treatment
Polypectomy
Presacral Neurectomy
Sterilization
Transcervial Resection of The Endometrium