- Pap smear
Removal of cells from the surface of the cervix to study microscopically
- Papanicolaou smear
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Papanicolaou smear - Also known as Pap Smear. This is a screening test to evaluate the cells of the cervix to determine if they are normal. It is done by using a cyto-brush and a wooden spatula in the cervical canal. A pathologist then examines the cells under a microscope.
- Parlodel
A synthetic compound that interferes with the pituitary gland's ability to secrete prolactin. Often prescribed for hyperprolactinemia.
- Patent
Open; for example, fallopian tubes should be patent after a sterilization reversal operation
- PCOD
Polycystic ovarian disease/syndrome (PCOD/PCOS)
A disease of the ovaries caused by malfunction of the hormonal system that results in ovaries clogged with cysts, making ovulation almost impossible. This is characterized by multiple ovarian cysts and increased androgen production.
- PCOS
Polycystic ovarian disease/syndrome (PCOD/PCOS)
A disease of the ovaries caused by malfunction of the hormonal system that results in ovaries clogged with cysts, making ovulation almost impossible. This is characterized by multiple ovarian cysts and increased androgen production.
- Pelvic cavity
The area surrounded by the pelvic bone that contains the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries in women, and the prostate gland and seminal vesicles in men
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
Inflammatory disease of the pelvis, often caused by an untreated STD. Bacteria that cause gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other infections can ascend from the lower genital tract through the endometrium (causing endometriosis), to the fallopian tubes (causing salpingitis), and possibly to the ovaries (causing oophritis).
- Penetrak
A test of how fast sperm can travel up through cow mucus
- Penis
The male organ of sexual intercourse
- Pergonal
The luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones recovered from the urine of postmenopausal women that is used to induce multiple ovulation in various fertility treatments
- PID
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Inflammatory disease of the pelvis, often caused by an untreated STD. Bacteria that cause gonorrhea, chlamydia, or other infections can ascend from the lower genital tract through the endometrium (causing endometriosis), to the fallopian tubes (causing salpingitis), and possibly to the ovaries (causing oophritis).
- Pituitary gland
The endocrine gland at the base of the brain that produces the gonadotropin luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, which in turn stimulate the gonads to produce sex cells and hormones
- Polycystic ovarian disease
A disease of the ovaries caused by malfunction of the hormonal system that results in ovaries clogged with cysts, making ovulation almost impossible. This is characterized by multiple ovarian cysts and increased androgen production.
See also Polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOD, PCOS
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
A disease of the ovaries caused by malfunction of the hormonal system that results in ovaries clogged with cysts, making ovulation almost impossible. This is characterized by multiple ovarian cysts and increased androgen production.
See also Polycystic ovarian disease, PCOD, PCOS
- Polyp
A growth or tumor on an internal surface, usually benign.
- Post-coital test
Microscopic analysis of cervical mucus within a few hours of timed intercourse in order to observe and evaluate the interaction of sperm, semen, and cervical mucus. The oldest and most widely practiced postcoital test is the Sims -Huhner test.
- Pre-embryo
A fertilized egg in the early stage of development prior to cell division
- Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
-
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) - Combines two technically advanced procedures: in vitro fertilization or IVF and genetic analysis of single human embryo cells to identify the genetic disorders which occur naturally in embryos. PGD is of benefit to couples known to be at risk of passing an inherited disorder to their children and possibly in improving the likelihood of a successful pregnancy and birth following IVF.
- Preovulation
The first 14 days of a woman's menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels are rising before ovulation takes place.
- Primary infertility
Infertility in those who have never had children.
- Professor Zavos
World Reknowned infertility specialist.
- Progesterone
The female hormone, produced by the corpus luteum after ovulation, that prepares the uterine lining for implantation of a fertilized egg and helps maintain the pregnancy
- Prolactin
A hormone secreted by the pituitary that stimulates breast milk production and supports gonadal function.
- Prostaglandins
a group of hormone-like chemicals that have various effects on reproductive organs; so named because they were first discovered in the prostate gland
