P - S

Post-void residual measurement
A test that measures the amount of urine that remains in the bladder after urinating.

Prostate
A gland in men that surrounds the urethra and discharges fluid into it.

Reduced outlet resistance
A normal sphincter blocks the bladder outlet and stops urine flow. When the sphincter fails, this block on the bladder outlet is reduced and urine flow is not completely stopped. Reduced outlet resistance is also known as intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD).

Reflex voiding
A method of starting urination, sometimes used by individuals who cannot voluntarily empty their bladders.

Sphincter (Urinary)
The urinary sphincter controls the flow of urine and is located in the area of the bladder neck and urethra. It opens when the bladder is full and shuts when the bladder is empty.

Stress incontinence
Involuntary loss of urine that occurs during physical activities that create additional abdominal pressure such as coughing, laughing and sneezing.

Stress test
A test that measures the amount of urine lost when pressure is put on the bladder muscles through common physical activities such as lifting, exercise and coughing.

Suprapubic catheter
A tube inserted through the skin and tissue of the lower abdomen into the bladder. A balloon on one end of the catheter holds it in place in the bladder. The tube remains in the bladder and drains constantly, so the bladder is never full. The other end of the catheter tube is attached to a urine collection bag. When this type of catheter is used, it is put in place by a doctor.

Suprapubic tube
A catheter placed through the abdominal wall to drain urine from the bladder without its going through the urethra.