Glossary of terms

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Pap Smear — An exam given to a female to see if the cervix is healthy.

Patch — A birth control patch that is worn over a woman’s lower back or upper arm that releases hormones to prevent pregnancy.

Pelvic Exam — A medical examination of the female’s internal reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus and cervix) and external genitals (inner and outer labia and vaginal area). This exam should done every year beginning when a girl  is 18 or before she becomes sexually active.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) — An infection in a woman’s reproductive system sometimes caused from an undiagnosed STD; can cause infertility.

Penetration — The insertion of a body part or object into a bodily opening such as the vagina, anus, and/or mouth.

PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease) — An infection in a woman’s reproductive system sometimes caused from an undiagnosed STD; can cause infertility.

Placenta — A structure that develops during pregnancy that provides nourishment and protection to a developing fetus.

Platonic — A relationship that doesn't include romance or sex.

Pre Cum — Pre-ejaculatory fluid that is released from the Cowper’s Gland when a male gets an erection.

Pre-Seminal Fluid — A few drops of semen which contains thousands of sperm that leak out of the penis before a man ejaculates; can cause pregnancy to occur.

Prejudice — Pre-judging a group of people or an idea without adequate evidence or information, then forming an attitude about that group or idea.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) — A set of symptoms that many women experience during certain parts of the menstrual cycle such as mood swings, cramping, stomach upset and lower back pain.

Pro-Choice — Supports a woman's right to decide whether or not to have an abortion.

Pro-Life — Opposed to abortion.

Puberty — When a young person changes into a young man or woman.

Pubic Area — Area between the legs where male and female genitals are located.

Pubic Hair — Hair that grows on and around the genitals.

Pulling Out — This is an unreliable method of birth control that occurs when a guy pulls his penis out of his partner’s vagina just before ejaculation. It is not recommended, but it’s better than not using any method of birth control. This method does not protect against sexually transmitted infection. Also known as withdrawal or coitus interruptus.