Incontinence Vocab

Incontinence Terms & Definitions

Like most things in life, leakage has its own lingo. Here are some common words used in describing, managing, and treating bladder leaks. Knowing these terms will help you when talking to your healthcare provider or researching your condition online.

Bladder Control Pads 
Designed specifically for women, Prevail^® body-shaped pads provide light-to-moderate protection against leaks. They have a cloth-like outer fabric, and attach to the inside of your underwear with an adhesive strip. In fact, Prevail is a leading protective hygiene brand of Bladder Control Pads in Home Healthcare.

BPH 
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in men.

Daily Pads 
Prevail bladder control pads for women that offer everyday protection against light leakage and odors. In fact, customers reported a 39% reduction in instances of excessive urine odor after switching to Prevail. 
_{*according to a survey conducted in Q4 2017 among 128 caregivers and patients using absorbent adult incontinence products in the home}

Daily Underwear 
Prevail protective underwear that can be worn every day to protect wearers against moderate leakage and odors. In fact, customers reported a 39% reduction in instances of excessive urine odor after switching to Prevail.
_{*according to a survey conducted in Q4 2017 among 128 caregivers and patients using absorbent adult incontinence products in the home}

Disposable Washcloths
These soft, strong, and absorbent washcloths are effective for cleaning your pelvic area and sensitive enough to be used with all types of skin. They're often used to promote skin wellness for all types of incontinence care.

Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate that is noncancerous, sometimes referred to as BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia), can put pressure on a man's urethra and cause issues with urination and bladder control.

Enuresis
The inability to control your urination, called Enuresis, exists in three types: Nocturnal Enuresis (involuntary urination during sleep), Diurnal Enuresis (involuntary urination while awake), and Mixed Enuresis (involuntary urination while sleeping and awake).

Functional Incontinence
Functional Incontinence is when someone is unable to get to the bathroom in time due to factors other than their urinary system, such as physical impairment or an environmental barrier.

Incontinence
Men and women of all ages can experience the loss of bladder and/or bowel control, called Incontinence. See Incontinence 101 to learn more about the various types and causes of Incontinence. Remember, that Incontinence is not a disease, but rather a symptom of another condition.

Kegel Exercises
Also referred to as pelvic floor exercises, Kegel exercises focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles to improve bladder control. While Kegel exercises are known mostly for women, they can also be helpful for men. Check out this handy guide to learn more about how to target those pelvic muscles.

LBL
You have Light Bladder Leakage, or LBL, if you're experiencing a few droplets or occasional dribbles of urine. It's also known as Stress Incontinence, and it happens when pressure is placed on the bladder through routine actions like sneezing, coughing, laughing, and exercising. LBL can also be caused by more stressful events, like pregnancy, childbirth, and surgery.

LOBC
Involuntary Loss of Bladder/Bowel Control, or LOBC, is often referred to as Incontinence and can be the result of many different factors. Check out this Incontinence Treatments guide treatment options.

Male Guard
This protective hygiene product for men sticks to the inside of your underwear with a full-length adhesive strip and is contoured to move with the body for a more comfortable fit.

MBL
Moderate Bladder Leakage, or MBL, is commonly associated with Urge and Mixed Incontinence. MBL is the condition of having spontaneous bladder spasms and contractions that make you feel the frequent, sudden need to urinate.

Mixed Incontinence
Mixed Incontinence is a combination of bladder leaks that occur when completing certain routine actions like sneezing or laughing, and frequent, strong urges that don't allow you enough time to get to the bathroom.

Nocturia
Nocturia is a condition in which you can't make it through the night without waking up several times to visit the bathroom to pee. It occurs more commonly in pregnant women and the senior population.

Overactive Bladder (OAB)
An Overactive Bladder, or OAB, is when the urge to pee comes on very suddenly from an overly sensitive bladder, sometimes resulting in bladder leaks.

Overflow Incontinence
This type of incontinence occurs when an individual leaks due to a full bladder.  It's most commonly caused by a blockage of the natural passageway of urine.

Pantiliners
Pantiliners are a type of protective hygiene that protect women against light leakage. An adhesive strip secures the product to standard underwear, making it easy for changing and removal.

Pelvic Floor Exercises
Also referred to as Kegel exercises, pelvic floor exercises focus on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles that support the bladder.

Pelvic Floor Muscles
The layers of muscle in men and women that support the bladder and bowels are called pelvic floor muscles. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can increase the chances of bladder leaks, so it's helpful to strengthen them with Kegel exercises. Here's a handy guide on how to target those pelvic muscles.

Peri Care
Short for perineal care, Peri Care is a method of cleaning the perineal area. Peri Care should be practiced daily to decrease the risk of infections and odor. You can complement this by wearing Prevail absorbent undergarments. Customers who switched to Prevail protective hygiene products reported urine odor less than with their previous products.
_{*according to a study conducted in Q4 2017 among 128 caregivers and patients using absorbent adult incontinence products in the home}

Protective Briefs
Protective Briefs are a unisex protective hygiene product worn as underwear to provide protection against heavy leaks. Some varieties are ideal for extended or nighttime use. If you're not already using Prevail protective briefs, consider switching. Customers who switched to Prevail protective hygiene products reported fewer night time leaks than with their previous products.*
_{*according to a study conducted in Q4 2017 among 128 caregivers and patients using absorbent adult incontinence products in the home}

Protective Hygiene
Protective hygiene is the Prevail line of absorbent undergarments that can be used daily, like deodorant or toothpaste, to keep wearers feeling fresh, comfortable, and protected from leaks. Prevail is a leading protective hygiene brand in healthcare, so you can use the same products that professional doctors and nurses choose every day.

Protective Underpads
Designed to serve as a barrier to protect beds, chairs, and other surfaces from bodily fluids and leaks, these pads are available in multiple sizes and absorbencies.

Protective Underwear
Form-fitting and breathable Protective Underwear provides absorbency and protection for both men and women. Usually available in women's fit, men's fit, or unisex fit to protect against moderate to heavy leakage.

Reflex Incontinence
Reflex Incontinence causes the frequent loss of urine with little to no warning, usually due to spinal cord injuries, brain tumors, or strokes.

Stress Incontinence
People who have involuntary bladder leaks due to pressure on the bladder, have what is known as Stress Incontinence. It can be caused by activities like exercising, laughing, or coughing, and is common in pregnant women experiencing pressure on the bladder from the baby. Check out the Causes of Female Incontinence to learn more about Kegel exercises that can help strengthen the pelvic floor muscles to better manage leaks.

Urge Incontinence
Commonly associated with an overactive bladder, Urge Incontinence is a type of bladder leakage marked by a need to urinate which is so sudden and urgent, you have trouble getting to the bathroom in time. Learn about incontinence management options in our Incontinence Treatments guide.