Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Designated Donor
A gamete donor known to the recipient couple who may or may not come into contact with the hoped-for child.
Dilatation and Curettage
A surgical procedure where the cervix is dilated (usually with metal dilators of incrementally larger sizes) and then the endometrial cavity is curetted ("scraped") with a sharp spoon-shaped instrument. Used to remove endometrial tissue from the cervix secondary to endometrial overgrowth, or retained pregnancy tissue (such as after a partial miscarriage).
Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Please see: Ovarian Reserve
Donor Sperm
Sperm obtained from a donor who is not the intended parent of the child. This is typically an anonymous donor, but may be a designated donor.
Dysmenorrhea
Painful periods or painful menstrual bleeding.
Dysparunia
Painful intercourse. Dysparunia is a common problem that effects 2/3 women at some time in their lives. It is one of many sexuality-related problems that may have multiple causes related to the sexual response cycle. In any case, sometimes surgical evaluation and treatment by laparoscopy for diseases such as endometriosis or uterine malposition may be very helpful in diagnosing and treating anatomic and organic causes of the problem.