D

D&C (DILATATION AND CURETTAGE) A procedure used to dilate the cervical canal and scrape out the lining and contents of the uterus. The procedure can be used to diagnose or treat the cause of abnormal bleeding and to terminate an unwanted pregnancy.

DANAZOL A medication used to treat endometriosis. Suppresses LH and FSH production by the pituitary and causes a state of amenorrhea during which the endometrial implants waste away. Many women experience oily skin, acne, weight gain, abnormal hair growth, deepening of the voice and muscle cramps with this medication.

DES (DIETHYLSTILBESTROL) A medication prescribed in the 1950's and 1960's to women to prevent miscarriage. Male and female fetuses exposed in utero to this drug developed numerous deformities including blockage of the vas deferens, uterine abnormalities, cervical deformities, miscarriages, and unexplained infertility. DES is no longer prescribed for this indication.

DHEAS (DIHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULFATE) An androgen produced primarily by the adrenal gland. A high level suggests too much adrenal androgen output. See "Adrenal Androgens."

DONOR INSEMINATION Artificial insemination with donor sperm. See Artificial Insemination.

DOXYCYCLINE A tetracycline derivative, an antibiotic that inhibits many of the microorganisms infecting the reproductive tract. Often used for treating ureaplasma infections. Many physicians find routine treatment with this antibiotic more cost effective than performing multiple cultures on both the husband and wife looking for infection.