Stress Urinary Incontinence

Chemical Cross-Linking - A chemical process that creates bonds between molecular strands, changing the natural properties of the material.

Colporrhaphy - Surgery to repair the vaginal wall with sutures.

Cystocele - When the bladder moves out of place and pushes into the vaginal wall. Also called a bladder prolapse.

Cystoscopy - A diagnostic test to view the inside of the urethra and bladder using a very small camera.

Enterocele - When the small intestine moves out of place and pushes into the vaginal wall.

Estrogen Cream - A topical cream containing a low dose of the hormone estrogen often prescribed after vaginal surgery. Believed to promote collagen production and healing.

Incontinence - The loss of bladder and/or bowel control.

Kegel - Pelvic floor exercises done routinely to help prevent stress urinary incontinence, as well as other types of bladder problems. These exercises involve squeezing the muscles in your pelvic floor as if you were trying to stop urinating.

Pelvic Floor - A network of muscles, ligaments and connective tissue that extends from the pubic bone to the tailbone and supports the pelvic organs.

Pessary - A small, removable device inserted in the vagina to support or correct the position of the uterus, rectum or bladder.

Rectocele - When the large intestine moves out of place and pushes into the vaginal wall.

Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) - The involuntary leakage of urine during physical activities that increase pressure on the bladder, such as exercise, lifting something heavy or sneezing. This condition is usually caused by weak pelvic muscles.

Transvaginal Tape (TVT) - A sling to resolve stress urinary incontinence due to weak pelvic muscles. The sling supports both the urethra and the neck of the bladder. Also called a midurethral sling or tension-free vaginal tape.

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

Urethral Insert - A small plug that is inserted into the urethra and left in place temporarily to prevent urine leakage.

Urethrocele - When the urethra moves out of place and pushes into the vaginal wall.

Urge Incontinence - The involuntary leakage of urine as a result of overactive bladder muscles.

Urethral Sling - A section of muscle, ligament or tendon tissue, or a synthetic mesh or biologic graft used to support the urethra.