Quick answer: This glossary explains common incontinence and urinary care terms in plain language. Each definition links to a full guide where you can learn more.
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this guide is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Product recommendations are based on common use cases and should not replace a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Always speak with your doctor, nurse, or continence specialist before starting, changing, or stopping any treatment or product regimen. If you experience pain, infection, skin breakdown, or any unusual symptoms, seek medical attention promptly. We do our best to keep this information accurate and up to date, but we can't guarantee that it is complete or error-free.
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Absorbency: How much liquid a product can hold. Usually shown as drops or a light-to-maximum scale.
Barrier cream: A cream that protects skin from moisture, urine and stool.
Bladder diary: A record of fluids, bathroom trips and leaks, used to help diagnose incontinence.
Booster pad: An insert that adds absorbency inside a brief or underwear, without a waterproof backing.
Brief: A tab-style adult diaper.
Catheter: A thin tube used to drain urine from the bladder.
Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC): Draining the bladder with a catheter several times a day, then removing it.
Condom catheter: An external catheter shaped like a sheath that fits over the penis.
Coudé tip: A slightly curved catheter tip, sometimes used for men with an enlarged prostate.
External catheter: A device that collects urine outside the body and drains it to a bag.
French size (Fr): The unit used to measure catheter width.
Functional incontinence: Leaks caused by trouble getting to the toilet, not by a bladder problem.
Hydrophilic catheter: A catheter with a coating that becomes slippery when wet.
Incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD): Skin irritation caused by urine or stool.
Leg bag: A small drainage bag strapped to the leg, used during the day.
Male clamp: A device that gently compresses the penis to prevent leaks.
Mixed incontinence: A combination of incontinence types, usually stress and urge.
Neurogenic bladder: Bladder problems caused by nerve damage or neurological conditions.
Nocturia: Waking up at night to urinate.
Nocturnal enuresis: Bedwetting.
Overactive bladder (OAB): Sudden urges to urinate, often with frequency.
Overflow incontinence: Dribbling caused by a bladder that doesn't empty fully.
Pelvic floor: The muscles that support the bladder and bowel and help control urine flow.
Protective underwear: Pull-on incontinence underwear.
Stress incontinence: Leaks caused by pressure such as coughing, sneezing or lifting.
Underpad: An absorbent pad placed on a bed or chair.
Urge incontinence: Leaks that happen with a sudden, strong need to urinate.
Urinary retention: Being unable to empty the bladder completely.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between incontinence and overactive bladder?
Overactive bladder describes urgency and frequency. Incontinence means leaking. You can have one without the other.
What does "French size" mean on a catheter?
It measures the catheter's outer width. A higher number means a wider catheter.
