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pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) — an infection of the female reproductive organs that are above the cervix, such as the fallopian tubes and ovaries. It is the most common and serious problem caused by sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). PID can cause ectopic pregnancies, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and other serious problems. Symptoms include fever, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, extreme pain, and vaginal bleeding.

peptic ulcers — a sore on the lining of the stomach or duodenum (beginning of the small intestine). Peptic ulcers are common -- one in 10 Americans develops an ulcer at some time in his or her life. One cause of peptic ulcer is bacterial infection, but some ulcers are caused by long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), like aspirin and ibuprofen. In a few cases, cancerous tumors in the stomach or pancreas can cause ulcers. Peptic ulcers are not caused by stress or eating spicy food.

peripheral neuropathy — classification of disorders that involve damaged or destroyed nerves. These disorders do not include the nerves of the brain or spinal cord.

peripheral vascular disease (also called peripheral arterial disease (PAD)) - A common disorder in which the arteries supplying oxygen rich blood from the heart to a limb (typically one or both legs) are blocked. As a result, the organs do not get enough blood flow for normal function. The most common cause of PAD is atherosclerosis

pesticides — any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, or repelling any pest. It also includes herbicides, fungicides, and various other substances used to control pests.

phobias — An anxiety disorder in which a person suffers from an unusual amount of fear of a certain activity or situation.

phototherapy — treatment with light. Prescription phototherapy exposes the baby's skin to special fluorescent lights. In mild cases of jaundice, exposing the baby's skin to sunlight (taking care to avoid sunburn) is sometimes recommended.

physical therapy — therapy aimed to restore movement, balance and coordination.

pituitary gland — a small gland in the head that makes hormones that control other glands and many body functions including growth.

plaque — a buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances that accumulate in the walls of the arteries.

plugged (milk) duct — when the small milk ducts in the breast become blocked, or plugged. This is often caused by mastitis.

pneumonia — inflammation of the lungs. Causes of pneumonia include bacteria and viruses.

pneumonia — inflammation of the lungs caused by an infection.

pornography — Pictures, videos, and written material that openly shows sexual situations and causes sexual excitement.

postpartum depression (PPD) — a serious condition that requires treatment from a health care provider. With this condition, feelings of the baby blues (feeling sad, anxious, afraid, or confused after having a baby) do not go away or get worse.

post-traumatic stress disorder — A psychological condition that can happen when a person sees or experiences something traumatic, such as rape, murder, torture, or wartime combat. A person can have many symptoms including flashbacks (re-living the event), nightmares, fatigue, anxiety, and forgetfulness. A person can also withdraw from family and friends.

preeclampsia — Also known as Toxemia, it is a condition that can occur in a woman in the second half of her pregnancy that can cause serious problems for both her and the baby. It causes high blood pressure, protein in the urine, blood changes and other problems.

prematurely — before the expected time.

primary lactase deficiency — when a person is born with the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products. Lactose can't be digested because there is not enough of an enzyme, called lactase, in the body. Consuming milk and dairy products causes diarrhea, bloating, gas, and discomfort. This deficiency can also develop over time, as the amount of lactase in the body decreases with age.

progesterone — a female hormone produced by the ovaries. Progesterone, along with estrogen, prepares the uterus (womb) for a possible pregnancy each month and supports the fertilized egg if conception occurs. Progesterone also helps prepare the breasts for milk production and breastfeeding.

progestin — a hormone that works by causing changes in the uterus. When taken with the hormone estrogen, progestin works to prevent thickening of the lining of the uterus. This is helpful for women who are in menopause and are taking estrogen for their symptoms. Progestins also are prescribed to regulate the menstrual cycle, treat unusual stopping of the menstrual periods, help a pregnancy occur or maintain a pregnancy, or treat unusual or heavy bleeding of the uterus. They also can be used to prevent pregnancy, help treat cancer of the breast, kidney, or uterus, and help treat loss of appetite and severe weight or muscle loss.

prolactin — a hormone that increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It stimulates the human breast to produce milk. Prolactin also helps inhibit ovulation.

prostate gland — a gland in a man's reproductive system. It makes and stores seminal fluid. This fluid is released to form part of semen.

psoriasis — a chronic (long-lasting) skin disease of scaling and inflammation that mostly affects adults. It occurs when skin cells quickly rise from their origin below the surface of the skin and pile up on the surface before they have a chance to mature. Usually this movement takes about a month, but in psoriasis it may occur in only a few days. Psoriasis results in patches of thick, red (inflamed) skin covered with silvery scales. These patches usually itch or feel sore, and most often occur on the elbows, knees, other parts of the legs, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of the feet, but they can occur on skin anywhere on the body.

psychiatrist — a doctor (M.D.) who treats mental illness. Psychiatrists must receive additional training and serve a supervised residency in their specialty. They can prescribe medications.

psychologist — A clinical psychologist is a professional who treats mental illness, emotional disturbance, and behavior problems. They use talk therapy as treatment, and cannot prescribe medication. A clinical psychologist will have a master's degree (M.A.) or doctorate (Ph.D.) in psychology, and possibly more training in a specific type of therapy.

psychotherapy — counseling or "talk" therapy with a qualified practitioner in which a person can explore difficult, and often painful, emotions and experiences, such as feelings of anxiety, depression, or trauma. It is a process that aims to help the patient become better at making positive choices in his or her life, and to become more self-sufficient. Psychotherapy can be given for an individual or in a group setting.

puberty — time when the body is changing from the body of a child to the body of an adult. This process begins earlier in girls than in boys, usually between ages 8 and 13, and lasts 2 to 4 years.

pudenal block — This procedure anesthetizes, or numbs, the area around the vulva to reduce pain during labor and delivery.

purging — forcing oneself to vomit.