Overactive Bladder (OAB): Glossary

Antimuscarinic Agents
A group of drugs that alter the normal signallingpathways in the body that regulate the urge to urinate.

Biofeedback
A technique used by patients with therapists or continence nurses, where available. Information is presented to the patient and/or therapist as visual, auditory or tactile signals.

Constipation
The inability or difficulty in having bowel movements.

Diarrhea
A watery stool that is passed several times in one day.

Detrusor Muscle
The smooth muscle in the bladder. Contraction of the detrusor bladder muscle causes urine to be expelled through the urethra.

Frequency
The need to urinate up to eight or more times during the day.

Hormone Imbalance
An imbalance of progesterone and/or estrogen levels in an individual’s body.

Increased Daytime Frequency
Patient considers they need to urinate too often during the day.

Mixed Urinary Incontinence
Involuntary leakage associated with urgency and also exertion, effort, sneezing or coughing.

Nocturia
Waking at night one or more times to go to the bathroom.

Stress Urinary Incontinence
Leakage of urine caused by physical activity, laughing, sneezing or coughing, is often confused with overactive bladder.

Pelvic Floor Muscles
Muscles that form a sling or hammock across the opening of the pelvis to keep all of the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus and rectum) in place and functioning correctly.

Penile Clamp
A V-shaped casing with a foam cushion that fits around the penis. When closed, this stops the flow of urine without causing discomfort.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises (PFMEs)
Repetitive exercises involving contraction and relaxation of specific pelvic floor muscles. Performed to strengthen muscles that support the urethra, bladder, uterus and rectum.

Urethra
The tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.

Urge Urinary Incontinence
The involuntary leaking of urine.

Urgency
The sudden and compelling need to urinate which is difficult to defer.

Urinalysis
A physical and/or chemical examination of the urine, which consists of a number of chemical and microscopic tests to screen for urinary tract infections, renal (kidney) disease, and diseases of other organs that may result in the appearance of abnormal metabolites in the urine.

Urinary Incontinence
Any involuntary leakage of urine.

Urinary Sphincter
A ring-like band of muscle that closes the urethra.

Urinary Tract Infection
A bacterial infection of the urethra, bladder, ureters or kidneys (part of the urinary tract).

Vaginal Infection
An infection that occurs in the vagina. May be accompanied by vaginal discharge, itching and an unpleasant odour.

Vaginal Pessaries
Small plastic devices inserted into the vagina to hold the bladder neck in place and prevent leakage of urine.