Dilation and Curettage Center - West Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines Obstetrician-Gynecologist Doctors for Dilation and CurettageType of Physician: Obstetrician-Gynecologist What is a Obstetrician-Gynecologist? A certification by the Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology; practitioners provide medical and surgical care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders, to the extent that it distinguishes them from other physicians. This training enables them to serve as consultants to other physicians and as primary physicians for women. Specialty: Obstetrics & Gynecology Common Name: Ob/Gyn or Ob-Gyn Obstetrician-Gynecologist Doctors in West Des Moines * West Des Moines Ob/Gyn Associates PC  West Des Moines Ob/Gyn Associates PC  West Des Moines Ob/Gyn Associates PC  West Des Moines Ob/Gyn Associates PC  West Des Moines Ob/Gyn Associates PC  West Des Moines Ob/Gyn Associates PC  Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates PLC  Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates PLC  Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates PLC  Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates PLC  Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates PLC  Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates PLC  Central Iowa OB/GYN Specialists PLC  Central Iowa OB/GYN Specialists PLC  Des Moines Ob/Gyn Specialists PC  Mid Iowa Fertility PC  Mid Iowa Fertility PC  Womens Health Services PC  Womens Health Services PC  Womens Health Services PC  Womens Health Services PC  IHP Lakeview  IHP Lakeview  IHP Lakeview  IHP Lakeview  Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa  Iowa Health Physicians Obstetrics & Gynecology  Iowa Health Physicians Obstetrics & Gynecology  Iowa Health Physicians Obstetrics & Gynecology  Iowa Health Physicians Obstetrics & Gynecology  Iowa Methodist Perinatal Center  Iowa Health Physicians Obstetrics & Gynecology  Iowa Health Physicians Obstetrics & Gynecology  Iowa Health Physicians Obstetrics & Gynecology  Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates PLC  Fifth Avenue Ob/Gyn PC  Obstetrical & Gynecological Associates PLC  Penn Ave Obstetrics/Gynecology  Iowa Health Physicians Ankeny Clinic  McFarland Clinic Ob/Gyn  McFarland Clinic Ob/Gyn  Doran Clinic  McFarland Clinic Ob/Gyn  McFarland Clinic Ob/Gyn  Doran Clinic  Doran Clinic  Newton Clinic PC  Advanced Women's Care  Marshalltown Ob/Gyn  Marshalltown Ob/Gyn  Marshalltown Ob/Gyn  Community Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic  Mercy Medical Clinic  Mercy Medical Clinic  Ob/Gyn Consultants of St Anthony West Des Moines, IowaUpcoming Local Events2012-06-08
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Dilation and Curettage (D&C)Read the Dilation and Curettage (D&C) article » What is dilation and curettage (D&C)?Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure in which the cervix of the uterus is expanded (dilated) so that the uterine lining (endometrium) can be removed with a spoon-shaped instrument called a curet or curette. The procedure is performed for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, this surgery is done in order to help determine the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. It can also be done to help determine the degree of abnormality of the endometrium in cases of cancer or pre-cancerous cells that are detected by an in-office biopsy. D&C is also sometimes necessary to remove tissue after a miscarriage.
Why is a D&C done?In general, a D&C is used to help determine the health of the uterine lining or to remove abnormal tissue. Occasionally, the procedure can correct some of the problems in the uterus such as polyps, scar tissue, or tissue overgrowth.
What are reasons not to perform a D&C?There are very few contraindications to D&C. Generally if a patient is too ill to undergo surgery, then she should probably not have this procedure. Furthermore, if the patient is unable to move her legs apart, such as with severe arthritis in the hips, the surgeon may not be able to perform the procedure since it requires enough movement of the legs to accommodate a speculum and the surgeon. If the patient is pregnant or thinks that she could be pregnant, she should not have the operation unless the D&C is for the purpose of an abortion. Pre-op: What happens before surgery?Before a D&C, the same general recommendations as for other outpatient procedures apply. It is recommended that the patient take nothing by mouth (food, water, etc.) for at least 7 hours before the scheduled operation. Often, the doctor will see the patient the day before surgery to discuss the procedure and the potential complications in greate... Recommended Reading Related to Dilation and Curettage (D&C)What is menopause?Menopause is defined as the state of an absence of menstrual periods for 12 months. The menopausal transition starts with varying menstrual cycle length and ends with the final menstrual period. Perimenopause means "the time around menopause" and is often used to refer to the menopausal transitional period. It is not officially a medical term, but is sometimes used to explain certain aspects of the menopause transition in lay terms. Postmenopause is the entire period of time that comes after the last menstrual period. Menopause is the time in a woman's life when the function of the ovaries ceases. The ovary (female gonad), is one of a pair of reproductive glands in women. They are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and female hormones such as estrogen. During each monthly menstrual cycle, an egg is released f... Other Related Dilation and Curettage ArticlesEmergency Contact for West Des Moines
Nearby West Des Moines Hospitals *Mercy Franklin Center Blank Children's Hospital Iowa Methodist Medical Center VA Central Iowa Health Care Des Moines Broadlawns Medical Center Mercy Medical Center Des Moines Iowa Lutheran Hospital Madison County Healthcare System Dallas County Hospital Mary Greeley Medical Center Boone County Hospital Story County Medical Center Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
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Related Diseases & Conditions
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Endometriosis
- Endometriosis is the growth of cells similar to those that form the inside of the uterus, but in a location outside of the uterus. Endometriosis implants are most commonly found on the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, outer surfaces of the uterus or intestines, and on the surface lining of the pelvic cavity. They can also be found in the vagina, cervix, and bladder. Treatment of endometriosis can be with medication or surgery.
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Menopause
- Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods permanently stop, also called the “change of life." Menopause symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, irregular vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, urinary incontinence, weight gain, and emotional symptoms such as mood swings. Treatment of menopausal symptoms varies, and should be discussed with your physician.
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Uterine Cancer
- Though uterine cancer's cause is unknown, there are many factors that will put a woman at risk, including: over age 50, endometrial hyperplasia, using hormone replacement therapy, obesity, using tamoxifen, being Caucasian, having colorectal cancer. Symptoms of cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer) include abnormal vaginal bleeding, painful urination, painful intercourse, and pelvic pain. Treatment depends on staging and may include radiation therapy or hormone therapy.
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Uterine Fibroids (Benign Tumors of the Uterus)
- Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate in the uterus and are usually round or semi-round in shape. The most common symptom of a uterine fibroid is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Other symptoms include pressure, pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder, or pain during a bowel movement. Treatment options vary from surgery to medication.
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Miscarriage
- A miscarriage is any pregnancy that ends spontaneously before the fetus can survive. Miscarriage usually occurs before the 13th week of pregnancy. The cause of a miscarriage cannot always be determined. The most common causes of a miscarriage in the first trimester are collagen vascular disease (lupus), hormonal problems, diabetes, chromosomal abnormalities, and congenital abnormalities of the uterus.
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Vaginal Bleeding
- Normal vaginal bleeding (menorrhea) occurs through the process of menstruation. Abnormal vaginal bleeding in women who are ovulating regularly most commonly involves excessive, frequent, irregular, or decreased bleeding. Causes of abnormal may arise from a variety of conditions.
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Uterine Growths
- Benign uterine growths are tissue enlargements of the female womb (uterus). Three types of benign uterine growths are uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and uterine polyps. Symptoms include: abdominal pressure, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse. Diagnosis and treatment of benign uterine growths depends upon the type of growth.
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Amenorrhea
- Amenorrhea is a condition in which there is an absense of menstrual periods in a woman. There are two types of amenorrhea, 1) primary and 2) secondary. Treatment of amenorrhea depends on the type (primary or secondary). In prmiray, surgery may be an option and in secondary amenorrhea medication or lifestyle changes may be treatment options.
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Menstruation
- Menstruation (menstrual cycle) is also referred to as a "period." When a woman menstruates, the lining of the uterus is shed. This shedding of the uterine linking is the menstrual blood flow. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days. There can be problems with a woman's period, including heavy bleeding, pain, or skipped periods. Causes of these problems may be amenorrhea (lack fo a period), menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea), or abnormal vaginal or uterine bleeding. There are a variety of situations in which a girl or woman should see a doctor about her menstrual cycle.
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Endometriosis
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