Glossary
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
B
- Bladder
A hollow sac of muscle and connective tissue the bladder that stores urine produced by the kidneys. Normally, the muscles in the bladder remain relaxed while the bladder is filling, and they contract during intentional urination, pushing urine out of the bladder.1 (Diagram)
- Bladder Control Diary
A notebook or other booklet used to track the frequency of trips to the bathroom and/or wetting accidents.3,4 A diary can also be used to record when food and drinks are consumed, to see how dietary changes affect overactive bladder. It can also be used to track improvements in bladder control over the course of a treatment program.
- Bladder Training
Scheduled trips to the bathroom to urinate. The training entails gradually increasing the length of time between bathroom trips. Bladder training can help improve bladder control when practiced over time.14 Click here for more information on bladder training.
C
- Canadian Continence Foundation, The
A national non-profit organization serving the interest of people experiencing incontinence. The Canadian Continence Foundation (TCCF) is supported by donations from the public, healthcare professionals and private industry. The CCF can be reached at 1-800-265-9575, or on the Internet at www.continence-fdn.ca.
- Continence
The ability to exercise voluntary control over natural impulses, such as the urge to defecate or urinate.21
- Coping Mechanisms
Habits that some people with overactive bladder develop to cope with their condition. These may include toilet mapping, wearing dark and/or loose clothing, avoiding places where there is no bathroom or where the location of the bathroom is unknown, avoiding sexual activity, and avoiding crowded places, such as movie theatres, where it may be difficult to get to the bathroom on time.
D
- Detrusor muscle
Part of the bladder consisting of muscle and connective tissue. The large bladder muscle is normally relaxed during filling, and it contracts only during intentinal urination.21 See large bladder muscle.
F
- Frequency
The number of times you go to the bathroom per day.4 Voiding 8 or more times per 24 hours is considered irregular frequency.
I
- Incontinence (urinary)
A lack of control over when urination occurs, resulting in involuntary leakage of urine.4,21 Two of of the most common kinds of urinary incontinence are urge urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence.
- Incontinence pads
Specially designed absorbent pads that are used to absorb urinary leakage. A variety of incontinence pads are available including minipads, briefs and complete undergarments.
K
- Kegel Exercises
Exercises designed to strengthen the muscles around the bladder and the urethra.14 These exercises are commonly called "Kegel" exercises, after the doctor who developed them.14 These moves involve repeated contractions of the specific pelvic floor muscles surrounding the urethra and bladder. Click here for more information on pelvic floor muscle exercises.
- Kidney
The organ in the abdominal cavity that filters waste from the blood to produce urine.21
L
- Large Bladder Muscle (detrusor)
Part of the bladder consisting of muscle and connective tissue. The large bladder muscle is normally relaxed during filling, and contracts only during intentional urination.21
M
- Micturition
To urinate. 21
- Mixed Urinary Incontinence
A combination of the symptoms of both urge and stress urinary incontinence.4
N
- Nocturia
Waking at night two or more times to urinate. 4
O
- Overactive bladder
A condition identified by an urgent need to urinate, usually accompanied by urinary frequency and nocturia. It may occur with or without urge incontinence.4 Overactive Bladder is usually due to the overactivity of the detrusor muscle.4 ( Diagram).
Q
- Quality of life
The term used to describe an individual’s satisfaction with his or her life and general sense of well-being. It is often measured as physical, psychological and social well-being.22
S
- Stress urinary incontinence
Involuntary leakage on effort or exertion.4 It occurs with abdominal pressure on the bladder due to everyday physical stresses such as laughing, coughing or jumping.4 Usually only a small volume of urine is leaked.
T
- Toilet Mapping
A coping mechanism, immediately seeking out the nearest bathroom in a new place. People who engage in toilet mapping feel uncomfortable if they don't know where the bathroom is.
U
- Urethra
The canal through which urine is discharged from the bladder.21 Surrounding muscles usually hold the urethra closed during the filling of the bladder, and these muscles relax only during intentional urination.
- Urethral sphincter
A ring-like muscle that surrounds the urethra and helps hold it closed, preventing unintentional leakage. When relaxed, a sphincter allows materials such as urine to pass through the opening.21
- Urge urinary incontinence
Unintentional leakage of urine and the sensation of urgency either before or during leakage.4 Urge incontinence is usually associated with the loss of a large volume of urine.
- Urgency
A strong, sudden urge to urinate, which is difficult to defer.4
- Urine
The fluid and dissolved substances excreted by the kidney through the bladder.21
- Urinate
To expel urine from the bladder.
V
- Void/Voiding
Void/Voiding to expel urine from the bladder.
- Voiding Diary
A notebook or other booklet used to track the frequency of trips to the bathroom and any wetting accidents.3,4 A diary can also be used to record when food and drinks are consumed, in order to see how dietary changes affect Overactive Bladder. It can also be used to track improvements in bladder control over the course of a treatment program.
- Voluntary Voiding
Voluntary Voiding urinating when intended rather than due to urge.