After curettage, now performed with hysteroscopy, it is advisable to wait a few days before resuming sexual intercourse. Explanations with Odile Bagot, obstetrician-gynecologist.
What is a curettage?
Curettage, a technique previously performed blind, is no longer practiced. Now professionals speak of a operative hysteroscopy. “With a curette, the entire uterine cavity is scraped. Thanks to hysteroscopy, curettage is no longer performed blind but via a small camera that projects the image onto a monitor“, specifies Odile Bagot, obstetrician-gynecologist. This intervention can be performed after natural termination of pregnancy in order to remove residual tissue from the uterine cavity, it must be done very gently in order toavoid synechiae (adjoining the walls of the uterus) later. “You can also practice supported curettage, endometriectomyfor example in premenopausal women who suffer from heavy bleeding“, adds the specialist.
Can we have intercourse after a curettage?
During the days following a curettage, it is advisable to not having sex or bathing or go to the swimming pool.
After how long ?
We can usually resume sexual activity within 8 to 10 days following the intervention. “However, in the context of an operative hysteroscopy, it depends above all on the procedure performed. I recommend explicitly asking the question to your practitioner in order to have a precise answer. If the intervention is more complex, within the framework of the removal of a fibroid for example, it will be necessary to wait 3 weeks“, specifies Odile Bagot.
If the bleeding does not stop spontaneously, a doctor should be consulted
What precautions to take?
After an operative hysteroscopy, it is advisable to consult a specialist 8 days to 1 month after the intervention. Light bleeding is normal in the days that follow, between 6 and 10 days. If they do not stop spontaneously or they are abundant, it is important to consult your doctor.
What are the risks of sexual intercourse after curettage?
The risk is related to the cervical dilation of the uterus which, if left a little open, could allow the passage of germs. It is advisable to wait until the cervix is properly closed to avoid any risk of endometritisthis infection of the endometrium caused by a germ that travels up to the cervix. “Endometritis is the main complication after a miscarriage“.
Thanks to Odile Bagot, obstetrician gynecologist and author of My Gyneco Survival Guide at Marabout.