Glossary

Acute: Happening suddenly

American Urological Association: National organization of urologists

Analgesic: Pain medicine

Atherosclerosis: Hardening of the arteries

Bladder: Organ in which urine is collected

Chronic: Present for a long time

Ejaculatory duct: Tube in the body where sperm are deposited into the urethra

Extracorporeal shock wave: Shock wave generated outside the body that is used to break
kidney stones

Fiberoptic: Light technology that enables the doctor to look inside the body

Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus

Intravenous pyelogram: X-ray used to visualize the kidneys and ureters

Interstitial cystitis: Chronic inflammation of the bladder that causes symptoms similar to a UTI. This can be treated successfully with medication and other therapies.

Metabolic: Having to do with body chemistry

Pelvic floor muscles: Muscles of the pelvic floor that can weaken as women grow older, leading to stress incontinence

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test: Blood test used to detect prostate diseases, such as prostate cancer. This should be obtained in men over age 50, and in men over age 40 who have a family history of prostate cancer.

Prostheses: Device implanted into the penis to give an erection

Scrotal sac: The “bag” containing the testicles

Scrotum: The scrotal “bag” containing the testicles

Seminal vesicle: Small gland where sperm are stored

Testosterone: The male hormone produced by the testicle that stimulates sexual desire

Urethra: The tube letting urine out from the bladder

Ureter: The tube from the kidney down to the bladder. Kidney stones often get stuck in this tube.

Urinary tract: Term for the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra

Urinary sphincter: The “valve” that keeps urine from leaking out of the bladder

Urinalysis: Laboratory test of urine to detect disease

Vas deferens: The tube carrying sperm from the testicle to the ejaculatory duct and seminal vesicles. This is divided during a vasectomy.

Vaginal: Term for the vagina

Vascular: General term describing blood vessels, such as arteries or veins