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Glossary

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A

Alzheimer Disease

A type of dementia, characterized by confusion, memory loss, disorientation. Many people with dementia have incontinence due to the inability to recognize natural urges, forgetting where the bathroom is or side effects from medicine.

 

Anal fistula

In an anal (rectum) fistula, an opening occurs between the rectum and the vagina. Symptoms may include leakage of gas or stool through the vagina and pain and swelling in the rectum. Fistulas can be caused by childbirth, certain digestive conditions such as Crohn's disease, or surgery.

 

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B

Bedwetting

(see nocturnal enuresis Refers to involuntary leaking urine during sleep.)

 

Biofeedback Therapy

A teaching tool, biofeedback therapy is a treatment for incontinence by using graphs and audible tones to show the patient how the pelvic floor muscles are exercising. Additionally, the therapist can then measure muscle strength and individualize an exercise program.

 

Bladder

The muscular sac in the pelvis that stores urine.

 

Bladder control

Ability to voluntarily keep urine from leaking out of the bladder.

 

Bladder drill

(see bladder training) A system of therapy for incontinence in which a patient practices holding urine for increasing increments of time.

 

Bladder suspension

A surgical procedure to position the bladder and prevent descent in to the vagina.

 

Bladder training

Another term for bladder drill, a system of therapy for incontinence in which a patient practices holding urine for in creasing increments of time.

 

Burch procedure

A surgical procedure for stress incontinence, the urethra is stabilized to prevent mobility and leakage.

 

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C

Chronic incontinence

Urinary leakage that has occurred for over 6 months and not of a temporary nature.

 

Congestive heart failure

A condition where the heart as a pump cannot perform its functions good enough to keep blood circulating throughout the body.

 

Constipation

Difficulty in passing stool or passing of hard stools.

 

Cystocele

Protrusion or hernia of the bladder in to the vagina.

 

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D

Diabetes

A clinical condition where there is a decrease or lack of insulin secretion to metabolize sugars, characterized by increase in urine output.

 

Diuretic medication

A drug that promotes the excretion of urine.

 

Double void

A technique for emptying the bladder, essentially trying to empty the bladder twice in a short space of time.

 

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E

Elasticity

Ability of tissue to regain its original shape after stretching.

 

Electrical stimulation

Also known as E-stim, a process where electrodes, either implanted or on the surface of the body, convey a small electrical current for therapeutic purposes. Go to http://www.medtronic.com/our-therapies/neurostimulation-for-overactive-bladder/index.htm for more information.

 

Enterocele

An enterocele occurs when your small intestine (small bowel) drops into the lower pelvic cavity and protrudes into your vagina, creating a bulge. An enterocele is a vaginal hernia.

 

Estrogen

The female hormone, responsible for secondary sex characteristics of the female, important in vaginal, urethral and pelvic muscle strength.

 

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F

Female Urologist

A urologist who specializes in female urodynamics and pelvic floor disorders are called female urologists.

 

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I

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

A disorder that disrupts the normal functions of the colon. Symptoms include abdominal cramping, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Although IBS can cause much discomfort, it does not cause long-term damage to the colon.

 

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J

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K

Kegels

Named after German physician Dr. Arnold Kegel (pronounced like "bagel) “kegels” are exercises that consist of contracting and relaxing the muscles that form part of the pelvic floor. Go to our page: "The Importance of Pelvic Exercise" for more information on why kegels matter.

 

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L

Levator Ani

Considering the "front of the pelvic pyramid," the levator ani are part of the pelvic floor muscles that stretch across the base of the pelvis, which support the pelvic organs like a hammock. Go to our page: Anatomy of the Pelvis for more information on the pelvic pyramid.

 

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M

Multifidus

A very deep back muscle located right next to the bones in the midline of your spine and pelvis. It is a key stabilizer (helps to keep you balanced) of the back and pelvis which allows your lower back to work effectively and without pain. It also serves as the back of the Pelvic Pyramid. Go to our page: Anatomy of the Pelvis for more information on the pelvic pyramid.

 

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N

Neutral Spine

A comfortable position somewhere between overarching your lower back and slouching. It’s important to note that neutral spine feels different for each person.

 

Nocturnal enuresis

Often referred to as "bedwetting", it is the involuntary leaking of urine while sleep.

 

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P

Pelvic Floor Muscles ("PFM")

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that act as a hammock or sling that support the organs in the pelvis like the bladder. A woman’s urethra, vagina and anus pass through the pelvic floor muscles and are affected by their function. It also serves as the floor or bottom of the Pelvic Pyramid. Go to our page: Anatomy of the Pelvis for more information on the pelvic pyramid.

 

Pelvic Pyramid

The transversus abdominus, multifidus and pelvic floor form the Pelvic Pyramid (think “front, back, floor”). The Pelvic Pyramid helps to stabilize and support the pelvis and the spine. Go to our page: Anatomy of the Pelvis for more information on the pelvic pyramid.

 

Prolapse

The protrusion or dropping of an internal organ out of its normal place, usually of the rectum (rectocele), uterus (uterine prolapse) or bladder (cystocele) outside the body when supporting muscles weaken.

 

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R

Rectocele

A protrusion or hernia of the rectum in to the vagina.

 

Rectum

The portion of the colon just above the anus, or outside opening.

 

Reflex incontinence

Loss of bladder control related to a problem in the spinal cord.

 

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S

Self-dehydration

Limiting fluid intake, enough to cause dehydration or excessive loss of water from the body.

 

Skin breakdown

A break in the skin integrity, an ulcer or abrasion. Women who suffer from incontinence are at more risk for skin breakdown or skin rashes.

 

Sphincter

A circular band of muscle fibers that can close a natural opening in the bladder, a valve, like the bladder sphincters.

 

Stress incontinence (SUI)

Loss of urine related to physical exertion, usually associated with pelvic floor weakness or sphincter insufficiency. You might have heard this referred to as "Light Bladder Leakage" or LBL.

 

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T

Transient incontinence

Loss of bladder control that is temporary, such as related to a urinary tract infection (treat the infection and the incontinence is resolved).

 

Transversus Abdominis (TVA)

The deepest muscle of the four abdominal muscles. It is built like a corset around the trunk and is the only abdominal muscle that attaches to our spinal joints. One function is to stiffen the spine and stabilize the pelvis prior to movements of the arms and legs. It also serves as the front of the Pelvic Pyramid.

 

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U

Ureters

Two tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder.

 

Urethra

Tube connecting the bladder to the outside of the body.

 

Urge incontinence

Loss of bladder control characterized by frequent and urgent need to go to the bathroom.

 

Urinary tract infection ("UTI")

Infection of the kidneys or bladder.

 

Uterus

Female organ of reproduction, lies behind and just above the bladder.

 

Urogynecologist

A urogynecologist is an obstetrician/gynecologist who has specialized in the care of women with pelvic floor disorder. To learn more, visit the American Urogynecology Association's patient site, Voices for PFD.

 

Urethrocele

Also known as urethra prolapse, a urethrocele is when the urethra (the tube in which urine exits the body) sags downward.

 

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V

Vagina

Female canal to the uterus, lies behind the bladder and in front of the rectum.

 

Vaginal weights

Cones designed to be used by females when strengthening the pelvic muscles to treat incontinence.

 

Voiding

The act of urinating, to empty the bladder.

 

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