Curettage is a medical procedure used to clean the uterus. According to doctors, it is performed in cases such as incomplete miscarriage, retained tissue or placenta in the uterus, severe bleeding, and other conditions that threaten the mother’s health. However, the experiences of women in Badghis show that the procedure is far more than a simple medical measure, as it is often accompanied by anxiety, pain, and numerous challenges.
Fatima, a 28-year-old woman from Badghis, underwent curettage after part of the placenta remained in her uterus following a miscarriage. She says the decision was not an easy one, but she made it to prevent further complications and on the recommendation of her doctor.
“Because of a serious health problem and on my doctor’s advice, I had to make this decision. I had a miscarriage, but the fetus had not been completely removed. It was a very difficult and stressful experience for me. It was a bit uncomfortable and extremely painful during the operation,” she says.
Her experience shows that several women do not have enough information before undergoing a curettage operation, which increases their concern and anxiety.
Fatima recalls the difficulties she faced after the curettage operation. She says that, due to the limited post-operative care, the pain, physical weakness, and emotional distress continued for some time afterward. She explains,
“Honestly, I did not have enough information. I had heard some things, but when I went through the process, I realized that I should have done more research before the operation and should have asked many more questions. After the operation, I experienced pain, physical weakness, and bleeding for several days, but fortunately, no serious complications occurred.”
She points out the difficult living conditions faced by women in Badghis, saying,
“This is the reality for women in Badghis; once we return home, we immediately start our household work. After the operation, I suffered from back pain. Emotionally, it affected me deeply. I felt sadness and worry, and it took a long time until I recovered.”
Sanam, a 35-year-old mother of four children from the Ab Kamari district of Badghis, had a similar experience. She says doctors decided to perform a curettage because tissue had remained in her uterus. According to her, nearly two months have passed since the operation, yet she still suffers from uterine pain and has not had access to adequate healthcare services.
“The doctors performed a curettage on me. Before the operation, I did not know about it, and no one told me. I was in severe pain. Afterwards, I also had intense abdominal pain. At home, I did not receive proper care either. It affected me very badly. For a long time, I felt unwell,” she says.
She adds that, due to limited facilities and restricted access to healthcare services after the operation, she was unable to receive the necessary follow-up care, which caused her health problems to persist.
The experiences of these women show that, in addition to health-related difficulties, lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare services, and the absence of post-treatment follow-up remain major challenges in this area.
Meanwhile, healthcare specialists emphasize that curettage is a specific medical method performed only when medically necessary.
Zarmina Mohmand, a midwife, explains that curettage is performed when the contents of the uterus have not been completely expelled or when continuing the pregnancy poses a risk to the mother’s health. She says,
“During curettage, a special instrument is inserted into the uterus to remove its contents. This procedure is usually performed in a clinic or hospital. Curettage is carried out when continuing the pregnancy poses a danger to the woman, when tissue remains in the uterus, or when severe bleeding occurs. The most serious risks are heavy bleeding and infection, especially if the instruments are not clean or if proper post-operative care is not provided.”
According to her, if women do not have enough awareness before the operation or do not take post-procedure care instructions seriously, they may face problems such as infection, severe bleeding, and even damage to the uterus.
Nilab Ghanizada, an obstetrician-gynecologist, also describes curettage as a method used to clean the uterus, which is usually completed within a short period of time but requires precision and care. She says,
“Curettage is a procedure in which the uterus is cleaned. It usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes. Curettage is not always necessary; in some cases, treatment with medicine can resolve the problem, and the doctor makes the decision based on the patient’s condition.”
She emphasizes that the operation should be performed in valid healthcare centers equipped with proper facilities, and that following medical advice afterward is essential to prevent complications.
The experiences of women in Badghis show a significant gap between medical recommendations and the realities of their lives—a situation in which lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare services, and difficult living conditions have caused many women to undergo curettage without receiving adequate care.
Reporter: Obaida Nikofar
