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Glossary
P
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| Pap smear |
Removal of cells from the surface of the
cervix to study microscopically |
| Patent |
Open; for example, fallopian tubes should
be patent after a sterilization reversal operation |
| Penis |
The male organ of sexual intercourse |
| Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (P.I.D.) |
An infection of organs in the pelvic cavity
which can lead to severe complications such as tubal
blockage and adhesion growth. |
| 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 (PCOD) |
A condition found among women who do not
ovulate, characterized by multiple ovarian cysts and
increased androgen production |
| Post-coital test (PCT) |
Microscopic examination of a woman's cervical
mucus at the fertile time of the cycle to determine
the number and motility of sperm following intercourse
|
| 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 |
The pituitary hormone that in high amounts
stimulates milk production |
| Prostate gland |
The male gland encircling the urethra that
produces one third of the fluid in the ejaculate |
| 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 |
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