Incontinence Health Article

Evacuation

—Release of stool or gas from the bowel system.

Overflow incontinence

—Slow leaking or dripping of urine from an overfilled bladder that may be unable to empty completely.

Sphincter

—A circular muscle that relaxes and tightens to control the storage and release of bodily waste.

Stress incontinence

—Involuntary loss of waste resulting from sudden pressure or force, such as by coughing, sneezing, laughing, or lifting an object.

Urethra

—A tube-like structure allowing the passage of urine between the bladder and the outside of the body.

Urge incontinence

—Involuntary loss of waste after feeling a strong, sudden need to void, without enough time to get to a toilet.

Voiding

—Release of urine from the bladder system.