Useful Medical Terminology

Acute urinary retention stands for the sudden inability to urinate voluntarily, despite having a full bladder.

Aseptic non-touch technique (ANTT) is a type of aseptic technique that prioritises key part and key site protection during invasive medical procedures.

This refers to weakened bladder muscles that are unable to contract to help the passing of urine. This can lead to the bladder overflowing with urine, which generally results in discomfort, pain and leaking.

The balloon refers to an attachment at the top of the catheter that is inflated with water to keep it in place. It is positioned to sit at the base of the bladder, blocking the internal urethral opening.

The bladder is a hollow organ, located in the lower abdomen, that stores urine. It is one of the central organs in the urinary tract system.

Bladder capacity refers to the average amount of urine the bladder can hold. The bladder does this by expanding like a balloon.  Generally, a healthy adult can hold around 500 mls of urine.

Bypassing refers to urine leaking out of the bladder during catheter use. Bypassing is often an indication of a blockage or kink in the catheter that is obstructing the flow of urine.

A catheter is a long, flexible and hollow tube that is inserted into the bladder to drain the urine if a patient is having trouble doing so on their own.

The process of inserting a catheter into the bladder. Depending on the type of catheter used, catheterisation can be performed by either a healthcare professional or the patient themselves.

Abbreviated as CAUTI. CAUTIs are urinary tract infections (UTIs) related to the use of catheters (particularly indwelling catheters). CAUTIs can be acquired at the point of insertion or during use. [1] Around 75% of all UTIs acquired in hospitals are associated with catheter use. [2] Prolonged use of a catheter increases your risk of developing a CAUTI.

Constipation is when an individual has uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. It is normal for people to experience temporary bouts of constipation throughout their lives. This can usually be remedied by increasing fluid intake, eating a high fibre diet and exercising more. Constipation may be treated with laxatives if symptoms persist.

Continence refers to an individual’s ability to control their bladder and bowels. 

Cystitis is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that leads to inflammation in the bladder.  Cystitis is more common in women than in men. Although cystitis can be uncomfortable, it usually heals on its own with limited intervention.

Diuretics are medications or substances that increase the production of urine. Diuretics are sometimes used to flush out excess fluid and sodium from the body. They are used to treat hypertension, heart failure, kidney diseases and cirrhosis.

Enuresis is the medical term for being unable to control urination. It is a common condition affecting children, particularly during their sleep. Enuresis is sometimes known as involuntary urination.

Faecal incontinence refers to an individual’s inability to control their bowel movements. This may result in involuntary soiling. The condition is also known as bowel incontinence.

Female urology refers to a field of urology that specialises in conditions affecting the female urinary tract and pelvic area.

Refers to the amount of fluid you drink.

Functional incontinence is when an individual is unable to reach the toilet when they feel the need to urinate.

The name for an individual’s sexual organs. They are also referred to as genitalia.

Haematuria refers to the presence of blood in urine.

Incontinence is the involuntary loss of bladder control, resulting in urine leaking. Although incontinence is a condition affecting millions of people, it is more common in women than in men. There are four main types of incontinence: stress, urgency, functional and overflow incontinence.

Indwelling catheters work the same way as intermittent catheters. However, they are intended to stay in place for a longer period of time. These catheters are held in place by a water-filled balloon that sits at the base of the bladder. Indwelling catheters are attached to a leg bag that collects the urine draining out of the bladder.