Urinary Incontinence Glossary

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• Biologic mesh/biologic graft

• A type of surgical mesh that’s derived from human or animal origin. Like synthetic mesh, it’s designed to be soft and pliable.

  
  

• Bladder

• A hollow, muscular organ that collects and stores urine from the kidneys.

  
  

• Bladder prolapse

• (cystocele, pronounced “sist-uh-seal”)—a pelvic organ prolapse condition in which the bladder pushes into the vaginal wall.

  
  

• Blood test

• A blood sample tested in the laboratory for signs of other causes of incontinence.

  
  

• Bulking injections

• Thickening agents (like collagen) injected into the urethral lining to add bulk, helping the urethra close more tightly.

  
  

• Burch procedure

• Also known as a retropubic suspension or Burch Colposuspension, this more invasive surgical procedure elevates the urethra and bladder neck to a higher anatomical position, alleviating stress urinary incontinence symptoms.

  
  

• Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC)

• A common way for people who are unable to empty their bladders on their own to relieve themselves on a routine schedule, using a sterile technique.

  
  

• Cystocele (bladder prolapse)

• A pelvic organ prolapse condition in which the bladder drops into the vagina.

  
  

• Detrusor muscle

• The muscular coat of the bladder which contracts in tandem with the pelvic floor muscles to empty the bladder.

  
  

• Dyspareunia

• Painful sexual intercourse. This may either be a symptom of vaginal prolapse, or a complication following a surgical procedure for vaginal prolapse.

  
  

• Enterocele (intestinal prolapse)

• A pelvic organ prolapse condition in which the small intestine bulges into the vaginal wall.

  
  

• Erosion

• A complication of surgical mesh repair in which the surgical mesh migrates into an unintended location or organ.

  
  

• Gynecologist

• A doctor with special expertise in the female reproductive system.

  
  

• Kegel exercises

• Exercises that work to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles; muscles that are responsible for supporting the uterus, bladder, and bowel.

  
  

• Micturation

• The desire to urinate.

  
  

• Mixed urinary incontinence

• A condition that results from the combination of both stress and urge urinary incontinence.

  
  

• Overactive bladder

• Bladder dysfunction associated with frequent urination, urge incontinence, or both.

  
  

• Overflow incontinence

• A condition in which a person may experience a variety of symptoms, including: a bladder that remains full and leaks urine; an urge to urinate, but an inability to empty the bladder; frequent or constant dribbling; or still feeling like the bladder is full after urinating a small amount. This type of incontinence, caused by weak bladder muscles or a blocked urethra, is rare in women.

  
  

• Pelvic floor muscles

• Muscles responsible for supporting the uterus, bladder, and bowel.

  
  

• Pelvic floor reconstruction

• A procedure designed to restore strength and integrity to the pelvic floor by addressing the prolapsing organs, one by one, and rebuilding the supporting layer.

  
  

• Prolapse

• A condition in which internal organs, such as the uterus, fall down or slip out of place.

  
  

• Rectal prolapse (rectocele, pronounced “rekto-seal”)

• A pelvic organ prolapse condition in which the rectum bulges or herniates into the vagina.

  
  

• Rectocele (rectal prolapse)

• A pelvic organ prolapse condition in which the rectum pushes into the vaginal wall.

  
  

• Retropubic suspension

• Also called the Burch procedure or Burch Colposuspension, this more invasive surgery elevates the urethra and bladder neck to a higher anatomical position, alleviating stress urinary incontinence symptoms.

  
  

• Small bowel prolapse (enterocele, pronounced “enter-o-seal”)

• A pelvic organ prolapse condition in which the small bowel bulges or herniates into the vagina.

  
  

• Stress test

• While coughing or exerting pressure on the bladder, a physician checks for urine loss—a sign that may suggest stress urinary incontinence.

  
  

• Stress urinary incontinence

• A loss of bladder control caused by weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles. The lack of support to the urethra results in leaks during physical activities such as laughing, sneezing, or lifting something heavy.

  
  

• Synthetic mesh/synthetic graft

• A type of surgical mesh made from a synthetic or man-made material. It’s designed to be soft, light, porous, and pliable.

  
  

• SUI

• An acronym for stress urinary incontinence, a condition in which weakened or damaged pelvic floor muscles lead to loss of bladder control.

  
  

• Transient incontinence

• A condition in which a person may leak urine for a short time due to an illness, such as a bladder infection.

  
  

• Ureters

• The tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

  
  

• Urethra

• A hollow tube through which urine flows from the bladder and out of the body.

  
  

• Urethral support sling

• A surgical mesh system that cradles the urethra, providing added support and helping it close more tightly.

  
  

• Urgency

• A strong desire to relieve the bladder.

  
  

• Urinalysis

• A urine sample tested for signs of infection and other causes of incontinence.

  
  

• Urinary frequency

• The desire to urinate at short intervals. It may result from increased urine volume, decreased bladder capacity, or lower urinary tract irritation.

  
  

• Urge urinary incontinence

• A condition that results when the detrusor muscle contracts frequently and with little warning, leading to an overwhelming urge to urinate. This condition is also known as “overactive bladder”.

  
  

• Urinary incontinence

• An inability to maintain bladder control.

  
  

• Urinary sphincter

• A ring of muscles that surround the urethra. When constricted, urine is stored in the bladder. When the muscles relax, urine can flow freely through the urethra and out of the body.

  
  

• Urinary tract

• The system in the body that makes, stores, and discharges urine, including the kidneys, bladder, and urethra

  
  

• Urologist

• A doctor who specializes in the diseases and disorders of the kidneys and urinary tract.

  
  

• Urogynecologist

• A doctor whose focus includes both female reproductive and urinary tract health.

  
  

• Uterine prolapse (procidentia, pronounced “pro-sid-entsha”)

• A pelvic organ prolapse condition in which the uterus drops down or “falls” into the vagina.

  
  

• Vaginal pessary

• Also known as a uterine prolapse pessary, this is a device that is placed into the vagina to provide support to the related pelvic structures and relieve pressure on the bowel and bladder.

  
  

• Vaginal prolapse

• A pelvic organ prolapse condition in which pelvic organs shift from their normal positions due to weakened muscles or ligaments and protrude into the vaginal wall. Urinary incontinence is one symptom of vaginal prolapse.

  
  

• Vaginal vault prolapse

• A pelvic organ prolapse condition in which the upper portion of the vagina collapses and descends into the vaginal canal.