pelvic pain and heavy bleeding (afraid)

Billiegirl,

Can you tell your parents that you talked to a nurse and that the nurse said you need immediate attention?

I really am hoping you can go to a gynecologist for your first pelvic exam, since she or he will talk you through every step and take all the time you need.

A D&C is short for dilation and curettage. It is a very common procedure and is considered minor surgery. What it does is basically clean out the surface of the uterus in order to get things back to normal.

Just because the nurse said this doesn't mean that's what will happen. But in the event that it does, let me give you a lot of information so that you will have all the details and not be frightened. I know this is unfamiliar territory to you but just remember that if it helps your pain and bleeding stop it will really be worth it, okay?

First, here's a diagram of your reproductive organs, in case you need it. Scroll down to where you can see the illustration of the woman's body. I want you to note where the cervix and the uterus are:

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.getting-pregnant.com/images/menstrual_cycle_uterus_diagram.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.getting-pregnant.com/menstrual-cycle.html&usg=__VMJjO2k3rEpW0aYAlpojif5Fe4c=&h=250&w=313&sz=24&hl=en&start=5&tbnid=-viHZQgefV8J3M:&tbnh=93&tbnw=117&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcervix%2Buterus%2Bdiagram%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den

So up inside your vagina is your cervix, which is the entryway to your uterus. In a D&C, you lie on your back with your feet in stirrups (as you do during a pelvic exam) the doctor expands the entrance to your cervix a little bit (that's the dilation) and then takes a small instrument to scrape the inside of your uterus (that's the curettage). This procedure is done for a lot of reasons. (It is also the procedure done when a woman has a miscarriage, or is having an abortion. Don't let that confuse you; it's also done for other medical reasons as well, like yours.) It is a pretty short procedure.

Here's our EmpowHER page on D&C. There is a lot of information here, with another diagram:

https://www.empowher.com/media/reference/dilation-and-curettage-dc

Please let us know what happens when you go to the doctor (today, right?). Or if there's something we can explain more. We want you to have the best information so that you won't be freaked out in the doctor's office since this is all new to you. Just remember that young women deal with such things all the time and that while it is unfamiliar to you, you'll be fine.

Be sure to ask the doctor ANY questions you want to. There are no stupid questions, OK? And if it is a male doctor and you would rather have a female doctor, please ask. That is perfectly fine.

Do update us, billiegirl. We'll be looking for it.

Billiegirl,

I am so glad you have an appointment on the 31st. But I want to warn you that the pediatrician may recommend you to a gynecologist, simply because that is not her or his area of expertise.

Don't be afraid of the gynecologist, Billiegirl. It's not frightening. It feels a little embarrassing, but you just have to remember that hundreds and thousands of young women go every day, and they are ok.

I'm glad the ibuprophen helped. Has your period stopped yet? How many days has it been now? Nine?