1. After the procedure you should go home and rest.
Avoid making any plans for the rest of the day. Your judgement may be affected by the anaesthetic drugs and you may faint with very little warning. Therefore you should not go to work, operate any machine, do the housework or cooking or sign any legal document on this day.
2. You may not drive for 24 hours after the anaesthetic or sedation, so you will need someone to pick you up, or take a taxi home.
Avoid travelling alone on public transport. You should be discharged into the care of a responsible adult and there should be someone with you for the day of the procedure and overnight.
3. You need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity (including all exercise) for two weeks, to allow your uterus to heal.
Too much activity may cause heavy bleeding and persistent pain. Most people can return to work within a day or two of the procedure provided work does not involve heavy lifting. A certificate for time off or light duties can be given on the day of the procedure if required. It does not state details regarding the procedure. A carers certificate can also be issued if required.
4. You may have some bleeding as a result of the curette but some people don’t have any at all.
The bleeding usually lasts for two or three days, but could go longer, stopping and starting. Sometimes bleeding stops and starts and may be heavy with clots initially, upon starting again. Any bleeding in the first two weeks is acceptable so long as it is not more than your normal period, soaking through pads for more than 24 hours. Please ring 0428 388 819 if you are concerned.
5. It is common to get ‘period’ type cramps. You are advised to have pain killers available at home.
Cramps may start a few days after the procedure, so do not be alarmed. You should take some pain killers, such as Panadeine or Naprogesic, and rest.
If the pain does not settle within an hour, or if you have persistent pain (requiring pain killers every three hours throughout the day, for greater than 24 hours) please ring the ‘after hours’ number.
6. You are at increased risk of pelvic infection following the procedure because the cervix has been dilated.
Your cervix will not be tightly closed again for about two weeks. To avoid introducing bacteria which may be able to reach the womb and cause infection you must avoid using tampons, having intercourse, swimming and having baths for the next two weeks. There is no problem with showering. If you have been given antibiotics it is important that you take them until the course is finished otherwise they may not be effective.
7. We advise you to have a thermometer:
You can buy one at a pharmacy. If you feel unwell, or hot and feverish, please check your temperature. If your temperature is 38 degrees or higher please ring the Clinic. It may indicate you have an infection which needs to be treated.
8. A follow-up appointment is not necessary unless you have an IUD or you have been advised by the doctor.
If you have had any swab tests or blood tests, you will be notified by phone of any abnormal results, usually within one week. Pap results return in less than one month. Please note billing by Melbourne Pathology is independent of our clinic.
11. If you have any queries or worries please don’t hesitate to ring the Clinic. The ‘after hours’ number 0428 388 819 is not listed in the telephone book so please keep this leaflet for at least two weeks. You may ring this number for up to six weeks if you have any queries.
1. After the procedure you should go home and rest.