After a D&C (dilation and curettage), the most important things to avoid are inserting anything into the vagina, taking aspirin for pain, and resuming strenuous activity too soon. Your cervix needs time to close back to its normal size, and your uterine lining needs to heal. Most of the restrictions last one to two weeks, though some vary depending on your specific situation.
Don’t Insert Anything Into the Vagina
This is the single most important restriction after a D&C. During the procedure, your cervix was dilated, and it takes time to return to its normal, closed position. Until it does, bacteria from the vagina can travel up into the uterus and cause infection. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists specifically warns against putting anything into the vagina after the procedure, including tampons, menstrual cups, and douches. Use pads for any post-procedure bleeding instead.
Sexual intercourse is also off the table until your provider clears you, typically at a follow-up appointment. Most providers advise waiting at least one to two weeks, though the exact timeline depends on how your recovery is progressing.
Avoid Aspirin and Blood-Thinning Pain Relievers
Cramping after a D&C is normal and can feel similar to period cramps. However, not all over-the-counter pain relievers are safe to take. Aspirin and certain other pain medications can increase your chance of bleeding. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally the recommended option for post-procedure cramps. If you’re already on blood-thinning medications or anticoagulants, your provider should have discussed this with you before the procedure, as those medications may need to stay paused during early recovery.
Don’t Drive for 24 Hours
Most D&C procedures involve some form of sedation or anesthesia. Standard guidelines advise patients to avoid driving, operating machinery, and making important decisions for at least 24 hours afterward. This recommendation exists because sedation drugs can impair reaction time and judgment even after you feel alert. Arrange for someone to drive you home from the procedure, and plan to take it easy for the rest of that day.
Skip Baths, Pools, and Hot Tubs
Submerging in water introduces bacteria to the vaginal area, which poses an infection risk while your cervix is still open. Stick to showers during your recovery period. Swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and baths should all be avoided until your provider gives you the go-ahead, which is typically the same timeline as the other vaginal restrictions.
Hold Off on Strenuous Exercise
Heavy lifting, intense workouts, and high-impact exercise should be avoided in the days following a D&C. Your body needs time to recover, and vigorous activity can increase bleeding or cramping. Light walking is generally fine and can actually help you feel better. Most people can gradually return to their normal exercise routine within one to two weeks, but listen to your body. If an activity increases your bleeding or pain, scale back.
Don’t Ignore Warning Signs
Some bleeding and cramping after a D&C is completely expected. What’s not normal is bleeding heavy enough to soak through two maxi pads per hour for two or more hours in a row. That level of bleeding needs immediate medical attention. A fever above 100.4°F (38°C) is another red flag that could signal infection. Foul-smelling discharge, worsening pain that doesn’t respond to pain relievers, or pain that gets worse instead of better over the first few days are also reasons to call your provider right away.
Don’t Rush Into Trying to Conceive
If your D&C was performed after a miscarriage, you may be wondering how long to wait before trying to get pregnant again. The traditional advice in the United States has been to wait three months for the uterus to heal and for cycles to normalize. The World Health Organization has recommended six months.
More recent guidance has shifted, though. For people who had an early, uncomplicated miscarriage, many providers now suggest waiting until after your next normal period before trying again. That first period typically arrives about four weeks after the miscarriage, though it can take longer, especially if the loss happened later in the first trimester or in the second trimester. Higher levels of pregnancy hormones at the time of loss can delay the return of regular cycles.
If your provider suspects any uterine issues that may have contributed to the loss, the timeline is different. In those cases, it’s important to use contraception and wait for a full evaluation before attempting pregnancy again, to reduce the risk of repeated miscarriages.
What Your First Few Days Should Look Like
Plan to rest for the first day or two. Light spotting or bleeding similar to a period is normal and can last up to two weeks. Cramping is common but should be manageable with acetaminophen. You can eat and drink normally once any nausea from anesthesia passes. Most people feel well enough to return to work and light daily activities within a day or two, though this varies. The key is to avoid the specific activities listed above and to pay attention to how your body responds as you ease back into your routine.