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Incontinence 101
Terms You Need to Know
By Lyn Mettler
Incontinence is a medical condition that comes with lots of medical terms. From ureters to urogynecologist and from bladder to biofeedback, talking about urinary incontinence can almost seem like learning a whole new language.
Understanding what you read and hear about bladder control problems can help you be a better advocate for yourself and make sure you have access to the treatment and management options that are right for you. Below we have compiled a simple alphabetical glossary of commonly-used terms by doctors and other professionals. It's designed to be used as a reference when you come across a word you may or may not know – you might call it Incontinence 101.
Absorbent Products – Disposable or reusable pads and garments that you wear to contain urine or bowel leaks.
Biofeedback – A therapy that uses measuring devices or sensors to help you learn to identify and control the muscles around the bladder opening. Biofeedback is often used in combination with Kegels (see below) and/or electrical stimulation to relieve stress and urge incontinence.
Bladder – The organ that stores urine produced by the kidneys.
Bladder Retraining – A technique that helps you gradually increase the amount of time between urinations by resisting the first urge to go and waiting until a scheduled time. The length of time between trips to the bathroom is increased until the urge can be held off for several hours.
Catheter – A thin, flexible tube inserted into the bladder to expel urine.
Electrical Stimulation – A type of treatment during which a small instrument is placed into the vagina that delivers a tiny electrical pulse, exercising the pelvic muscles for you. This exercise helps make them stronger and more effective at stopping urine flow.
