Terminology Explained
Abdomen
The part of the body of a vertebrate containing the digestive and reproductive organs; the belly.
Abdominal
Relating to the abdomen.
Abnormal
Deviating from what is normal or usual, typically in a way that is undesirable or worrying.
Adjustable
All-in-One product with an elastic waistband and re-adjustable tapes, allowing a truly personalised fit.
Bedwetting
Involuntary urination during the night.
Pelvic floor exercises
Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.
Pelvic floor muscles
The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that stabilise and support your spine. They also help control the emptying of the urinary bladder and the rectum.
Bladder
Organ in the abdomen in which urine is collected.
Bladder training
Bladder training aims to improve urination behaviour and improve bladder function.
Bowel
The small and large intestine.
Belly
The front part of the lower body – the abdomen.
Caffeine
A natural chemical with stimulant effects. Can be found in coffee and tea.
Chronic
(Relating to an illness) Persisting for a long period of time, or constantly recurring.
Constipation
Obstruction of the bowel.
Dermatologically tested
This means that a product has been tested on human volunteers in order to determine whether or not it causes skin irritation.
Diabetes
A disorder of the metabolism causing excessive thirst and the production of large amounts of urine.
Enuresis
Involuntary urination, especially by children at night.
Faeces
Waste matter remaining after food has been digested, discharged from the bowels; excrement.
Flex
All-in-one product with an elasticated belt which the pad is fitted onto.
Cough
Expel air from the lungs with a sudden sharp sound.
Incontinence
The accidental loss of urine or faeces.
Cancer
A disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in the body.
Gland
An organ in the human or animal body which secretes particular chemical substances for use in the body or for discharge into the surroundings.
Light urinary incontinence
Accidental loss of a few drops or small amounts of urine.
Moderate urinary incontinence
Accidental loss of small and sometimes larger amounts of urine.
Heavy urinary incontinence
Accidental loss of large amounts of urine, often not reaching the toilet in time. Little or no bladder control.
Menopause
The period in a woman's life (typically between the ages of 45 and 50) when menstruation ceases.
Micturition
The micturition reflex normally produces a series of contractions of the urinary bladder.
Naval
A rounded knotty depression in the centre of a person's belly caused by the detachment of the umbilical cord after birth; the umbilicus.
Constipation
Blockage of the intestine, often with hardened stool.
Faecal incontinence
Also called bowel incontinence, anal incontinence, accidental bowel leakage, or (in some forms) encopresis, is a lack of control over defecation, leading to involuntary loss of bowel contents - including flatus (gas), liquid stool elements and mucus, or solid faeces.
Post-micturition dribble (PMD)
The 'dripping', or PMD, is the involuntary loss of a few droplets or amounts of urine after a normal toileting, when the bladder appears to be empty.
Prostate
The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis - found only in men.
Pull-Ons
Absorbent pants that can be pulled up and down like normal underwear.
Rectum
The final section of the large intestine, terminating at the anus.
Stress incontinence
A condition where there is involuntary emission of urine when pressure within the abdomen increases suddenly, such as coughing or jumping.
Urge incontinence
A common form of incontinence. Urge incontinence is an urgent desire to pass urine, which sometimes leaks before having time to get to reach the toilet.
Weak bladder
No control over the bladder, which results in loss of urine.