CUC key terms

The group of muscles (pubococcygeus, puborectalis, iliococcygeus) that forms the main floor of the pelvis, supporting the bladder, uterus, and rectum and helping maintain continence.

A U-shaped portion of the levator ani that slings around the anorectal junction, maintaining the anorectal angle that contributes to fecal continence.

Connective tissue layers that attach the pelvic organs to the pelvic sidewall and form supportive ligaments, such as the cardinal and uterosacral complexes.

A band of connective tissue extending from the cervix and upper vagina to the lateral pelvic wall, providing key apical support to the uterus and vaginal vault.

The combination of smooth and striated muscle, vascular cushions, and connective tissue surrounding the urethra that maintains closure pressure and prevents urine leakage.

The smooth muscle of the bladder wall that contracts during voiding to expel urine and relaxes during storage to allow bladder filling.

A structured program of repeated voluntary contractions of the pelvic floor muscles, taught with proper technique, to improve strength and support and reduce incontinence symptoms.

A standardized examination system that measures defined points on the vaginal wall relative to the hymen and assigns a stage from 0 to IV based on the most dependent point.

Descent of the uterus or vaginal vault, often resulting from loss of level I suspensory support, which may coexist with anterior or posterior compartment prolapse.

A removable device inserted into the vagina to support prolapsed organs or reduce incontinence; ring and Gellhorn types are common, and regular follow-up is needed to prevent erosion.

Excessive downward and rotational movement of the urethra during increased abdominal pressure, often associated with stress incontinence and loss of paraurethral support.

Poor urethral closure function caused by weakness of the sphincter mechanism itself, producing leakage with minimal exertion and often a poor response to support procedures alone.

Involuntary loss of urine occurring with physical exertion, coughing, sneezing, or other increases in intra-abdominal pressure.

Involuntary bladder muscle contractions during the filling phase that may cause urgency, frequency, and urge incontinence, often seen on urodynamic testing.

A clinical syndrome of urinary urgency, usually with frequency and nocturia, with or without urge incontinence, in the absence of infection or other obvious pathology.

The amount of urine remaining in the bladder after voiding, measured by catheter or ultrasound; elevated values suggest incomplete emptying or retention.

A set of studies, including filling cystometry and pressure-flow analysis, that measures bladder and urethral function to clarify the cause of lower urinary tract symptoms.

A prospective patient record of fluid intake, voiding times and volumes, leakage episodes, and urgency, used to characterize voiding patterns and guide behavioral therapy.

A behavioral program that uses scheduled voiding and progressive interval lengthening to improve urgency control and increase functional bladder capacity.

A synthetic or biologic tape placed beneath the midurethra to provide dynamic support during stress and treat stress urinary incontinence.

The angle formed between the anal canal and rectum, maintained largely by puborectalis tone, that contributes to fecal continence.

Involuntary loss of solid or liquid stool or gas, resulting from sphincter weakness, nerve injury, stool consistency problems, or altered rectal compliance.

Tearing or disruption of the anal sphincter muscles, most commonly from obstetric trauma, which can lead to fecal or flatal incontinence.

An imaging technique using an intra-anal probe to visualize sphincter muscle integrity and identify defects, thinning, or scarring.

A technique using sensors and visual or auditory signals to help patients learn to contract and relax pelvic floor muscles correctly during training.

A polymicrobial vaginal condition marked by a shift from lactobacilli to anaerobic bacteria, causing thin gray discharge and a fishy odor with elevated vaginal pH.

A measure of vaginal acidity, normally about 3.8 to 4.5 in reproductive-age women, that rises when lactobacilli are reduced or infection is present.

A yeast infection of the vagina and vulva, typically caused by Candida albicans, producing thick white discharge, itching, and vulvar irritation.

A standardized Gram-stain scoring system that quantifies bacterial morphotypes on vaginal smear to diagnose bacterial vaginosis as normal, intermediate, or positive.

Chronic vulvar pain lasting at least three months without a clearly identifiable cause, often described as burning and sometimes provoked by touch or intercourse.

Persistent or recurrent pain with attempted or completed vaginal intercourse, which may be superficial, deep, or related to pelvic floor dysfunction.

Treatment using medications that block muscarinic receptors to reduce involuntary bladder contractions, easing urgency and urge incontinence; dry mouth and constipation are common side effects.

Low-dose estrogen applied locally to the vagina to restore epithelial thickness and lubrication, improving atrophy-related dryness, urgency, and recurrent urinary tract infection.

A collection of vulvovaginal and urinary symptoms, including dryness, burning, and recurrent infection, caused by estrogen decline after menopause.

Measures before and during pelvic surgery, such as appropriate prophylactic antibiotics and skin preparation, aimed at reducing postoperative wound and deep infections.

The coordinated management of a surgical patient before, during, and after an operation, including risk assessment, prophylaxis, thromboprophylaxis, and postoperative monitoring.

The process of explaining a proposed treatment's benefits, risks, and alternatives so a patient can make a voluntary, knowledgeable decision to accept or decline.

A collaborative process in which clinician and patient discuss evidence and the patient's values and preferences to choose a mutually agreed plan of care.