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PCO
Polycystic Ovary. An ovary which is bigger than a normal ovary and contains
several small egg sacs (follicles) and thick central tissue. The follicles are
incorrectly referred to as cysts. These ovaries can lead to hormone imbalance.
PCOS
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is used to describe a condition in which there are
irregular cycles or symptoms of excessive male hormones in the presence of
polycystic ovaries
PCT
Post-coital Test. An examination of mucus from the cervix, about 7 hours after
intercourse It is not recommended in modern fertility practice
PESA
Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration. An out-patient procedure performed
under local anaesthetic to remove sperm from the tubes in men who have no sperm
in the ejaculate
PGD
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis. A laboratory technique used to detect genetic
problems in embryo. A cell from the embryo is removed and examined for specific
chromosomal problems. The remaining cells are transferred if the PGD is normal
and will develop into a normal baby.
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PI
Pulsatility Index. A measure of resistance to blood flow used in Doppler
ultrasound. High PI indicates low blood flow. In women with failed implantation
and early miscarriages, high PI in uterine artery blood flow is often found.
Baby Aspirin tablets could be used to improve blood flow
PID
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. It could lead to tubal damage. If diagnosed, both
partners must be treated with antibiotics
Pituitary
An endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. It produces hormones that
control ovarian and testicular function.
Placenta
The fetus is connected to the placenta by the umbilical cord. The placenta is a
specialised fetal tissue that is attached to the uterine wall where the
maternal and fetal circulations come close together (but do not mix) and where
exchange of nutrients and waste products between the mother and fetus.
Platelets
Blood cells essential for clotting process
PMT
Pre-Menstrual Tension. It is also called pre-menstrual syndrome. Symptoms of
tension, anger and bloatedness occur typically during the week before the
periods and disappear with the onset of periods. The cause is unknown.
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POF
Premature Ovarian Failure. It is used if ovaries fail before the age of 40,
leading to menopause
Polymenorrhoea
Periods occurring at less than 21 days interval.
Polyp
A group of glands forming a small tumour projecting from a mucous membrane.
Polyps can occur inside the lining of the womb and the cervix.
Pregnyl
A brand name for Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin. It is an injection.
Premature menopause
The onset of menopause before the age of 40
Primary infertility
The term used when there is no previous conception
Primenopause
The period of time around menopause
Probe
Part of the ultrasound equipment which is in contact with the patient to
transmit ultrasound waves. A thin long probe is passed in the vagina for
scanning pelvic organs and early pregnancy. An abdominal probe is used for
scanning pregnancies after 12 weeks. A gel used for optimizing transmission of
sound during scans.
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Profasi
A brand name for Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin. It is given as an injection.
Progesterone
A female hormone produced by the ovary. It is secreted by the corpus luteum
after ovulation. It helps implantation of the embryo and maintenance of early
pregnancy
Prolactin
A hormone released by the pituitary gland. It promotes lactation during breast
feeding. Increased production of this hormone in non pregnant women interferes
with ovulation.
Prozac
A brand name for an antidepressant. It is used in treatment of some women with
PMT
PSV
Peak Systolic Velocity. It is a measure of blood flow used in Doppler ultrasound
scan. High velocity indicates good blood flow
Puregon
A brand name for FSH injection used in fertility treatments.
Pyosalpinx
The term used to describe collection of pus in fallopian tubes. It could be as a
result of PID
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