Glossary

Bladder - The storage area for urine.

BPH - Benign prostatic hyperplasia, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that often causes urinary frequency and reduced urinary flow.

CAT or CT scan - Computed tomography, a noninvasive test that studies internal body structures by taking cross-sectional X-ray views.

Condyloma (accuminata) - A sexually transmitted disease, caused by a virus, that typically presents with a growth in the mucous membrane or skin of the external genitals.

Congenital - Existing since birth.

Cystoscopy - A diagnostic procedure that examines the bladder with a cystoscope (a narrow, telescope-like device) inserted through the urethra.

Digital rectal examination (DRE) - A gloved-finger examination of the prostate through the rectum.

Ejaculation - The expulsion of fluid from the penis at the time of orgasm.

Epididymis - The elongated cordlike structure along the testis that stores and transports sperm made by the testicle.

Erectile dysfunction - Impotence, the inability to achieve or sustain an erection adequate for intercourse.

Foley catheter - A tube used to withdraw fluid from the bladder, held in place by an attached balloon within the bladder.

Hematospermia - Presence of blood in the semen.

Hydrocele - Collection of fluid within the membrane that covers the testicle.

Infertility - Inability to reproduce.

Intersex - Incomplete development of the sexual organs (internal or external), making it difficult to determine the true sex of the individual.

Interstitial cystitis (IC) - Chronic inflammation of the bladder wall that affects women more often than men. Symptoms may include frequency and/or sense of urgency in urination, and pain.

IVP - Intravenous pyelogram (also called IVU-intravenous urogram), upper urinary tract evaluation using X-ray and contrast dye to assess the kidneys, ureters and bladder.

Kidney - The organ that actually makes urine by removing water and other sub-stances from the blood. It also is involved in blood pressure control.

KUB - Single X-ray view of kidney, ureters and bladder without contrast.

Lithotripter - A machine that uses shock waves to treat kidney stones.

ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy) - A machine that uses shock waves developed outside the body to break up kidney and ureteral stones.

MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the use of a uniform magnetic field and radio frequencies to noninvasively image tissue and internal structures.

MRCC - Metastatic renal cell carcinoma, an aggressive kidney cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.

Nuclear cystogram - An evaluation of the bladder using radioactive fluid instilled through a catheter into the bladder, primarily to diagnose reflux. It is used as an alternative to VCUG (voiding cystourethrogram).

Nuclear Medicine - The diagnostic use of radioactive isotopes and nuclear imaging to assess medical conditions.

Orchidectomy - Surgical removal of the testes.

Orgasm - The intense physical and emotional sensation that occurs at the height of sexual excitement, usually accompanied by ejaculation in the male.

Prostate - A gland located around the male urethra that produces most of the fluid that is expelled during an orgasm. This fluid sustains the sperm on their way to attempting fertilization of the ovum (egg).

Prostatitis - Inflammation of the prostate.

PSA - Prostate Specific Antigen, a blood test to screen for prostate cancer as well as to evaluate patients after prostate cancer treatment.

PVR (post void residual) - The amount of urine left in the bladder after voiding. Pyelonephritis - Kidney infection.

Reflux (vesicoureteral reflux) - The backward flow of urine from the bladder into the ureter. This usually occurs when the valve mechanism fails to develop properly from birth. The condition is related to urinary tract infections, particularly in girls.

Renal perfusion scan - A scan of the kidneys using a radiotracer administered through the blood stream that travels through the renal artery to the kidney to detect disorders and provide information about blood flow to the kidney. It discharges through the urinary tract/collecting system.

Retrograde pyelogram - An X-ray of the kidneys performed at the time of cys-toscopy using an X-ray dye, delivered to the kidney from the bladder, to enhance the image. Little, if any, of this dye actually enters the blood stream.

STD - Sexually transmitted disease.

Spermatocele - Collection of sperm-containing fluid, usually found at the head of the epididymis.

Stenosis - Blockage or narrowing of a tube (usually a blood vessel, ureter or urethra).

TENS - Trans Cutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulator, a unit that uses electrical impulses to stimulate nerves (usually to help control pain).

Testicle (Testis) - The male reproductive organ that produces sperm and most of the male hormone.

TURP - Transurethral resection of the prostate. A type of surgery to treat progressive prostate enlargement affecting the flow of urine.

Ultrasound (diagnostic) - A non-invasive test that uses sound waves (similar to sonar) to visualize internal body structures.

Ureter - The tube that conducts urine from the kidney to the bladder.

Urethra - The tube through which one urinates.

Urinalysis - Tests performed on a sample of urine, usually to evaluate for red and white blood cells, bacteria, crystals, protein and sugar.

Urodynamic evaluation - A diagnostic test used to evaluate incontinence and other problems of bladder and urethral function. It involves catheterization of the bladder and instillation of fluid while various pressures and sensations are recorded. X-rays may be taken while the patient coughs and strains to gauge the effect on the bladder and urethra.

UTI - Urinary tract infection, a bacterial infection that is treated by antibiotics. Varicocele - Dilation of the veins (varicose veins) of the spermatic cord, usually occurs on the left side. The veins drain blood from the testicle.

Vasectomy - Surgically cutting the vas deferens so the spermatozia cannot enter the semen, resulting in sterility.

VCUG (voiding cystourethrogram) - A chemical that can be seen on X-ray is instilled through a catheter into the bladder to help diagnose reflux and other conditions.

Vulvodynia - A syndrome associated with vestibular and/or vaginal pain that typically occurs in the presence of pressure or penetration.