Yes, a D&C (dilation and curettage) can be painful, but pain management options are available.
Here's a breakdown of what you might experience during a D&C, based on the provided reference:
- Initial Injection: You may feel a pinch and a sting when the local anesthetic is injected to numb your cervix.
- Cervical Dilation: Once the cervix is numb, you should not feel pain as the doctor dilates it.
- Uterine Scraping: You may experience some cramping as the doctor removes the uterine lining with a curette.
The reference indicates that local anesthesia is an option for pain management during the procedure, typically performed in a doctor's office or clinic.
To summarize, while a D&C can cause some pain, particularly during the injection and uterine scraping, local anesthesia significantly reduces the level of discomfort.
