Glossary

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5-alpha-reductase inhibitors

Drug that is mainly used for benign enlargement of the prostate to prevent its growth.

A

Ablation

Removal of an organ (e.g. testicles).

Abscess

Accumulation of pus in a closed cavity in the tissue caused by inflammation.

Adenoma

Benign tumor originating in gland-forming tissue, such as the prostate.

Androgen blockade

Blocking of androgen production (testosterone) as part of the treatment of prostate cancer.

Androgens

Male hormones. The most important androgen is testosterone, which is mainly produced in the testicles.

Andrologist

Men’s doctor; usually a urologist who specializes in hormonal and fertility disorders of the male organism.

Anti-hormones

Substances that block the effect of hormones produced in the human body and can be used in the treatment of hormone-dependent tumors (e.g. prostate cancer).

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Anti-inflammatory drugs.

Antiandrogens

Medications that act against male hormones. (In most cases, the growth of prostate cancer is androgen-dependent. Its growth is inhibited by an antiandrogen).

Anticholinergics

Drugs that inhibit the activity of the bladder muscles. Anticholinergics are part of standard therapy, particularly for urge incontinence or overactive bladder (OAB).

Antifungals

Drugs that are used for infections with human pathogenic fungi (mycoses).

Antiseptic

Disinfectant substance for skin, mucous membranes and wounds.

Anuria

Absent or very low urine output (less than 100 ml urine in 24 hours).
The main causes are serious disorders of the kidneys and/or the urinary tract.

Artificial kidney

see Dialysis

Autoimmune disease

Disease in which antibodies are formed against the body’s own tissue.

Azoospermia

The absence of sperm in the examination of a man’s seminal fluid (spermiogram) to determine fertility.

B

Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG)

Attenuated tubercle bacillus, used to produce the tuberculosis vaccine, also used in urology to treat bladder cancer.

Bacteriuria

Excretion of bacteria in the urine.

Balanitis

Inflammation of the glans of the penis.

Balanoposthitis

Inflammation of the glans and foreskin.

BCG

see Bacille Calmette-Guérin

Bedwetting

see enuresis

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, prostate adenoma, prostatic hyperplasia)

Benign enlargement of the prostate, which does not always lead to symptoms. Prostatic hyperplasia is one of the most common diseases in men. After the age of 50, 60% of all men develop an enlarged prostate. Signs of this benign growth of the prostate gland, which constricts the urethra, include urinary disorders such as dribbling, a weakened urine stream or delays when trying to empty the bladder. As the disease progresses, residual urine formation, inflammation of the urinary tract and urinary retention occur.

Biofeedback

Method of psychotherapy in which bodily functions are recorded by instruments and made perceptible as optical or acoustic signals in order to make them accessible to conscious control by the patient.

Biofeedback training for incontinence

Training method for checking the correct tension of the pelvic floor muscles. Feedback with the help of acoustic or visual signals assists patients in their physiotherapy efforts to correctly and effectively contract the pelvic floor muscles. Physiotherapy in combination with the biofeedback method shows greater effectiveness in treating or curing stress incontinence.

Biopsy

Sampling of tissue, e.g. from the prostate, bladder or kidney. Removal is almost painless. The analyzed sample is examined histologically, often to determine whether it contains benign or malignant tissue.

Bladder hypertrophy

Thickening of the muscles of the bladder wall. Indicates a prolonged disturbance of urine flow.

Bladder training

Practising controlled urination. Incontinence or enuresis can often be treated in this way.

Bladder weakness

see urinary incontinence

Blister

Tear-open transparent packaging for lubricating gels such as Instillagel® and Endosgel® as well as for catheters.

Blood washing

see dialysis

Bougienage

Expanding and widening a constricted area, e.g. in the urethra.

Bowel neobladder

Formation of a new urinary bladder from a piece of intestine.

BPH

see benign prostatic hyperplasia

Brachytherapy

Brachytherapy (Greek: brachys = near/short) is a form of radiotherapy in which a radiation source is placed in the patient’s body within the area to be irradiated. The procedure is used for prostate cancer. This involves inserting so-called “seeds” as a radiation source into the prostate from the perineum via hollow needles.

Carcinoma

A malignant tumor originating from the epithelium (= surface tissue and glandular tissue). Prostate carcinoma is among the slowest-growing forms of cancer, so life expectancy is not necessarily shortened by the cancer.

Castration

Removal of male sex hormones, either through surgery (removal of the testicles, orchiectomy) or medication (chemical castration).

Catheter

A tube-like structure made of latex or plastic, inserted into a hollow organ of the body. Depending on its purpose, it may be called a bladder catheter, ureter catheter, cardiac catheter, vascular catheter, etc. The urologist uses the catheter primarily for draining or irrigating the bladder. (See also indwelling catheter.)

Catheterization

The introduction of a catheter into a hollow organ (e.g., the bladder) for diagnostic and/or treatment purposes.

Charrière

Measure of the thickness of catheters and probes. 1 Charrière =1/3 mm diameter.

Chemolitholysis

Dissolution of urinary stones with medication. Whether chemolitholysis is possible depends on the composition of the stone. Chemical dissolution is most successful with uric acid stones.

Chemotherapy

Treatment with a chemotherapeutic agent to inhibit or reduce the growth of cancer cells. A combination of several medications is often necessary.

Chlamydia infection

One of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in Germany, usually caused by the bacterial species Chlamydia trachomatis. However, other chlamydia subgroups such as Chlamydia pneumoniae and Chlamydia psittaci are also possible causes. Chlamydia is mainly transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse with frequently changing sexual partners. The disease often causes little or no discomfort. If symptoms occur, this is within approx. 1 to 6 weeks after infection, usually in the form of itching, burning and pain when urinating and/or discharge in the genital area (in men and women). As there are often no noticeable symptoms, the infection is often not detected and treated, but can still be passed on by carriers. Only a small proportion of infections are detected and treated on the basis of symptoms. An untreated chlamydia infection can lead to infertility in both men and women.

Circumcision

Partial or complete removal of the male foreskin. In addition to medical indications, religious, ritual, hygienic or esthetic arguments are often cited as reasons for circumcision.

Climacteric (menopause)

Changes in hormonal balance in both men and women. In women, the climacteric refers to the years of hormonal change before and after menopause. In men, it refers to the gradual decline in testicular hormone production, known as the male menopause.

Cohabitation

Sexual intercourse between a man and a woman.

Computed tomography (CT)

A special X-ray procedure that produces cross-sectional images of various parts of the body. The patient lies on a couch that slowly travels through a tunnel equipped with an X-ray tube and detectors, with the radiation source circling the patient. A computer is used to combine the data into layered images. The CT procedure is used to diagnose a wide range of diseases in which organ size and boundaries or organ structure need to be assessed.

Condom

A contraceptive made of latex or polyurethane that is worn over the man’s erect penis during sexual intercourse to prevent ejaculation into the vagina. When used correctly, it provides reliable protection against conception. It is the only contraceptive that protects against AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Condylomas (genital warts, papilloma virus infection)

Genital warts caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), appearing on the penis, in the vagina, urethra, anus, or rectum. They are transmitted through direct contact with infected skin or mucous membranes, usually during unprotected sexual intercourse. In some cases, they may also be transmitted via close physical contact or contaminated objects. Incubation lasts from four weeks to several months. Treatment options include chemical treatments or surgical removal. Recurrences are frequent, requiring long-term monitoring.

Condylomata acuminata

see condylomas

Continence training

Special training to control the bladder sphincter muscles.

Cryptorchidism (testicular dystopia)

A malposition of the testicle where one or both testicles remain outside the scrotum (temporarily or permanently).

CT

see computed tomography

Cyst

Pathological tissue cavity closed by a tissue capsule, usually with liquid contents.

Cystectomy

Surgical removal of the bladder for cancer or contracted bladder.

Cystitis

When bacteria cause inflammation in the bladder, this is called cystitis. A bladder infection causes unpleasant symptoms such as frequent urination, a burning sensation when urinating and often blood in the urine. For anatomical reasons, young children and women most frequently suffer from bladder infections. An untreated bladder infection can ascend and lead to inflammation of the renal pelvis (pyelonephritis).

Cystoscopy (urethrocystoscopy)

Urological examination of the bladder, in which the bladder is examined using a special endoscope (cystoscope). In men, the urethra is always examined as well (urethroscopy), which is why it is also referred to as urethrocystoscopy. In order to make the cystoscopy pain-free, adequate local anesthesia with Instillagel® is recommended.

Cytostatics

Drugs that prevent cell division and thus inhibit cancer growth.

D

Detrusor muscle of the bladder

The multi-layered bladder wall muscle responsible for bladder emptying through contraction.

Detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia

Neuromuscular bladder dysfunction characterized by impaired interaction between the anatomical structures of the bladder muscle (detrusor) and the sphincter muscle involved in urination.

Dialysis (blood washing)

Blood purification procedure used when kidney failure occurs. Dialysis (Greek. Dialysis = dissolution) is, alongside kidney transplantation, the most important renal replacement therapy for chronic kidney failure and one of the treatment options for acute kidney failure.

Digital rectal examination (DRE)

Examination in which the rectum and prostate are carefully palpated with a finger. From the age of 45, every man should undergo a standard prostate check-up.

DRE

see digital rectal examination

Ductus deferens

see vas deferens

Dyspareunia

Collective term for unpleasant sensations during sexual intercourse.

Dysuria

Urinary urgency with difficult and/or painful urination (micturition) in bladder, prostate and urethral diseases.

E

Echography

see sonography

Ejaculate

A man’s seminal fluid that is expelled during orgasm.

Ejaculation

Ejaculation during a man’s orgasm.

Ejaculation (retrograde)

After a surgical procedure, such as prostate resection, semen is no longer expelled forwards during ejaculation, i.e. via the penis, but backwards into the bladder (so-called “dry orgasm”).

Electro Motive Drug Administration (EMDA)

Introduction of medication into body tissue by applying a direct current electric field.

Electromyography

see pelvic floor EMG

EMDA

see Electro Motive Drug Administration

EMG

see pelvic floor EMG

Endometriosis

Disease in which cells of the uterine lining colonize the body outside the uterus and can also be responsible for infertility for reasons that have not yet been fully researched.

Endoscopy

Visual inspection of body cavities and hollow organs using a tubular device with a light source. During the endoscopy, surgical procedures or tissue removal (biopsies) can be carried out at the same time.

Enuresis (bedwetting)

Unintentional urination (enuresis) in children over the age of 3 and in adults.

Enuresis diurna: Wetting during the day
Enuresis nocturna: Wetting at night

Erectile dysfunction (erectile dysfunction, potency disorder)

Potency disorders encompass very different problems. Sex drive (libido), ejaculation (ejaculation) and the ability to have an orgasm can be affected. Most men with potency disorders have erectile dysfunction. These complaints are usually organic. However, psychological factors also often interfere with the ability to have sexual intercourse. The frequency of impotence increases with age. Today, erectile dysfunction can be treated very well with medication.

Erection

Stiffening of the male member.

Estrogens

Collective term for the female sex hormones that are produced in the ovaries, adrenal glands and liver. The most important estrogens are estradiol, estrone and estriol.

ESWL

see Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Etiology

The study of the causes of diseases and their triggering factors.

Exclusion diagnosis

Diagnosis of a disease that is difficult to identify by excluding similar but easily diagnosable diseases.

Excretory urography (i.v. urogram, IVP, i.v. pyelogram)

X-ray examination of the urinary tract after intravenous administration of contrast medium.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

Shattering of urinary stones, especially kidney stones, using shock waves. This procedure uses focused sound waves directed at the stone from the outside to break it up to such an extent that it can be excreted naturally through urination.

F

Fistula

Pathological, tubular duct that originates from a body organ and opens on the body surface (external fistula) or runs only inside the body (internal fistula).

Foreskin

see prepuce.

Foreskin constriction

see phimosis.

Fungal infection

The most common fungal infection in the genital area is known as candidiasis. Candida fungi are the cause. They are found everywhere and are part of our normal skin and mucous membrane colonization. If the normal balance is disturbed, Candida fungi may predominate. Fungal infections in the genital area are not uncommon, especially in women who take hormones to prevent pregnancy. Taking medications such as antibiotics or cortisone can also promote a fungal infection. While candidiasis often only causes very mild symptoms in men, it can cause severe itching, burning, discharge and pain during sexual intercourse in women. Fungal culture is used to provide evidence of the infection and to determine the exact species of fungus. Special medication (antifungals) is available for treatment.

G

Gleason score (Gleason score)

Worldwide standard classification of prostate tissue into scores from 2 to 10 according to its differentiation. A score of 2 corresponds to normal prostate tissue, while a score of 10 corresponds to very severely altered, malignant tissue.

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer

Inner protective layer of the urinary bladder.

Gonads

Collective term for the female and male gonads, i.e. the ovaries and testicles.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogues

see luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues.

Grading

Assessment of the degree of malignancy of tumors according to specific evaluation criteria.

Gynecomastia

Swelling of the mammary glands due to increased estrogen levels.

H

Hematospermia

Blood in semen.

Hematuria

Blood in the urine. Just a few red blood cells color the urine red.

Hernia (hernia)

Protrusion of abdominal viscera, usually bowel, through a gap in the abdominal wall. The inguinal region is particularly susceptible to abdominal wall hernias due to the preformed passage points (vessels, spermatic cord). Men are affected by hernias much more frequently than women. In addition to inguinal hernias, there are umbilical hernias, incisional hernias, and other areas of the abdominal wall that can be affected by a hernia.

Herpes

Common vesicular viral disease, including of the genitals, also sexually transmitted.

HIFU

see High-intensity focussed ultrasound.

High-intensity focussed ultrasound (HIFU)

Treatment method for prostate cancer using ultrasound.

Histology

Study of the fine structure of the cells and tissues of the body.

Hormone analogues

Artificially produced hormone-like substances that are used as part of hormone therapy.

Hormones

Signaling and messenger molecules produced by the body that trigger biochemical reactions and thus serve to regulate various bodily functions. They can be released by hormone-producing cells into the surrounding tissue (paracrine secretion) or into the blood vessels (endocrine secretion).

Hormone therapy

The use of hormones as a remedy, e.g. the administration of antiandrogens to inhibit prostate cancer.

Hydrocele

Accumulation of fluid within the testicular sheaths. A hydrocele can be congenital or develop without any identifiable cause. If the hydrocele increases in size, surgery may be necessary.

I

IC

see Interstitial cystitis/cystitis.

ICI

see intracavernosal auto-injection therapy.

Immunomodulators

Substances, e.g., drugs or physical stimuli (heat, cold), which influence the body’s defense system against diseases. See immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy

Treatment of existing diseases, e.g., using medications that influence the immune response of the immune system.

Imperative urge to urinate

An urge to urinate that cannot be suppressed or controlled, which can be accompanied by pain, pressure, or cramps. The urge may be so strong that it results in involuntary leakage of urine (urge incontinence).

Impotence

Lack of erectile function of the male penis.

Incontinence

see Urinary incontinence.

Indication

The reason for selecting a particular diagnostic or therapeutic approach to a disease.

Indwelling catheter (indwelling catheter)

A tube, usually made of latex or silicone, which is inserted into the bladder either via the urethra (transurethral) or the abdominal wall (suprapubic or abdominal wall catheter). It is used for urine drainage. A balloon near the tip of this catheter is filled with an aqueous solution to prevent it from slipping out of the urethra. The catheter can remain in the urinary bladder for a long time. If the indwelling catheter is well placed, it does not cause any discomfort.

Infertility (sterility)

General term for infertility in both men and women.

ING

see Isotope nephrography.

Inguinal hernia

A protrusion of abdominal organs, usually bowel, in the groin region. The groin is particularly prone to hernias due to pre-formed passage points for vessels and the spermatic cord. Surgery is required to treat an inguinal hernia.

Inguinal testicles

A condition in which the testicle stops descending from the abdomen in the inguinal canal (inguinal undescended testis), which, if untreated, can cause fertility problems and increase the risk of testicular cancer.
see Isotope nephrography

Instillation therapy

Introduction of medicinal solutions into the bladder using a catheter.

Intermittent self-catheterization (ISC)

Bladder emptying via a catheter (several times daily) by the patient themselves. It is important to use a suitable lubricant such as Instillagel® or Endosgel®. ISC is often used in neurogenic bladder disorders, e.g., paraplegia. Patients gain mobility and quality of life thanks to ISC.

International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)

A documentation form for assessing the symptoms and severity of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Interstitial cystitis/cystitis (IC)

A chronic bladder inflammation that is non-bacterial (= without bacteria). It causes constant and intense urgency to urinate, as well as stabbing, burning, and cutting pains in the abdomen, bladder, and/or urethra. In contrast to bacterial bladder infections, no pathogens are detected in the urine with IC.

Intracavernosal Auto-Injection Therapy (ICI)

Method for treatment of erectile dysfunction by direct injection of vasoactive substances (e.g., papaverine) into the erectile tissue of the penis.

Irritable bladder

see Overactive bladder.

IPP

see Penile induration

IPSS

see International Prostate Symptom Score

Ischuria paradoxa

see Overflow bladder

ISC

see Intermittent self-catheterization

Isotope nephrography (ING)

A nuclear medicine examination procedure that assesses kidney function from a static and dynamic perspective. It measures the excretion of a radioactive substance via the kidneys, providing information about kidney function and urinary flow disorders.

K

Kidney grit

Smallest urinary stones in the kidney visible to the naked eye.

Kidney stones (nephroliths)

Conglomerates of substances dissolved in the urine, which crystallize in the area of the renal calices and pelvis and can then become symptomatic. Kidney stones do not usually cause pain. Only when they enter the ureter can they cause renal colic as ureteral stones.

L

Laparoscopy

Endoscopy (examination) of the abdominal cavity and its organs.

Laser surgery of the prostate

see Visual laser ablation of the prostate

Leukocyturia

The increased presence of white blood cells in the urine, indicating an inflammatory process (e.g., cystitis).

LHRH analogues

see Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone

Libido

Sexual drive, sexual desire.

Litholysis

The chemical dissolution of stones in the urinary or biliary tract.

Local anesthetic

An anesthetic used for local anesthesia.

Loop extraction

Removal of urinary stones with appropriately shaped loops. The loops are inserted into the ureter using the ureterorenoscope (ureteroscope). The slings are closed around the stone like a lasso and pulled out with the stone. Today, snare extraction is being performed less and less frequently due to the high risk of injury and is increasingly being replaced by endoscopic procedures.

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS)

An umbrella term for bladder voiding disorders such as urinary retention, urgency, and residual urine formation, often associated with conditions like BPH or overactive bladder.

Lubrication

The release of mucous lubricating fluid from the vagina or penis (also known as pre-ejaculate) during sexual intercourse, which facilitates penetration of the penis.

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues

The pituitary gland produces LHRH hormones that regulate testosterone production in men. LHRH analogues prevent the action of these hormones, stopping the production of testosterone, thus preventing the growth of testosterone-dependent prostate cancer. They are a pharmaceutical alternative to orchiectomy (removal of hormone-producing testicular tissue, castration).

LUTS

see Lower urinary tract symptoms

M

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

A computer-assisted imaging procedure based on the principle of nuclear magnetic resonance. Unlike computed tomography, it does not use X-rays but instead strong, constant magnetic fields and radio waves.

Macrohematuria

Blood in the urine, visible to the naked eye.

Male sterilization (vasectomy)

Male sterilization by interruption of the vas deferens within the scrotum performed as an outpatient procedure. The testicles remain intact, so no changes to hormone balance are to be expected. Vasectomy in men is considered one of the simplest and safest methods of pregnancy prevention.

Malignancy

A malignant tumor, cancer.

Menopause

The time of the last menstruation. Entry into menopause.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer cells from a malignant tumor to another part of the body, forming new tumors (metastases) also known as secondary tumors.

Microhematuria

Blood in the urine that is so slight it can only be detected microscopically (or via test strips).

Micturition

The natural process of bladder voiding.

Micturition disorders

Disorders in the natural process of bladder voiding, often due to an enlarged prostate.

Micturating cystourethrography

A urological examination method using X-rays and contrast media to visualize the bladder and urethra before and during urination.

Midstream urine

A urine sample taken mid-flow, rather than at the start of urination, after thorough cleaning of the urethral opening and surrounding area.

Muscarinic receptor antagonist

Substances that inhibit muscarinic receptors, which control bladder emptying. Selective antagonists target specific receptors, such as the M3 receptor, which plays a crucial role in overactive bladder.

Myoma

A benign tumor that grows in the muscular layer of the uterus (myometrium). Myomas can affect any woman, although they are most common between the ages of 35 and 50. Symptoms may include heavy, prolonged menstruation, abdominal pain, and pressure on the bladder.

Myometrium

The middle layer of the uterine wall, consisting of smooth muscle.

N

Neoadjuvant hormone therapy

Hormone treatment before surgery or radiotherapy, for example to shrink a tumor.

Neobladder

An artificial “new” urinary bladder, also known as a bowel neobladder, which is usually constructed surgically from an isolated piece of bowel.

Nephropathy

Generic term for diseases of the kidney and kidney function.

Nephroliths

see kidney stones.

Neurogenic bladder

Damage to the nerve supply to the bladder, e.g. due to paraplegia or multiple sclerosis. Bladder voiding can no longer be controlled.

NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)

See magnetic resonance imaging.

Normospermia

Normal number and function of male spermatozoa in the ejaculate.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

See magnetic resonance imaging.

Nocturia

Repeated urination during the night.

O

OAB (Overactive bladder)

see overactive bladder

Obstruction

Blockage or obstruction of hollow organs in the abdominal cavity.

Oligo(zoo)spermia

Reduced number of sperm cells in the ejaculate (below 50 million/ml).

Oliguria

Reduced urine production (less than ½ liter per day).

Oncology

Sub-discipline of internal medicine and science that deals with the development and treatment of tumor diseases.

Opioids

Natural, opium-derived or (semi-)synthetically produced drugs with analgesic, depressant, sedative and psychotropic properties. The best-known painkiller in this group is morphine.

Orchiectomy

Surgical removal of the hormone-producing testicular tissue, castration.

Overactive bladder (OAB, irritable bladder)

Frequent, unsuppressible urge to urinate – often also at night. Those affected also suffer from involuntary leakage of urine (incontinence).

Overflow bladder (overflow incontinence, ischuria paradoxa)

Overflow bladder (overflow incontinence) occurs when urine cannot drain properly due to an obstruction behind the bladder and the bladder eventually “overflows”. Damage to the nervous system, e.g., due to diabetes or alcoholism, can also lead to overflow. A common disease that triggers this form of incontinence is benign prostate enlargement.

Overflow incontinence

see overflow bladder.

P

Palpation

Manual examination of a patient by palpating (feeling) body structures, e.g. the prostate, with one or more fingers or hands. As the prostate lies close to the rectum, the doctor can often feel an enlargement or tumor from the bowel with the index finger.

Papillomavirus infections

see condylomas

Paraphimosis

Constriction of the male member (penis) with swelling of the glans due to obstructed blood return. The cause is usually a tight foreskin that has slipped behind the glans and can no longer be pushed forward (also known as a “Spanish collar”). A doctor must be consulted, as congestion and pain increase and the affected person cannot change the condition himself. Paraphimosis is a urological emergency and requires immediate treatment. Cf. phimosis, where the foreskin is narrowed in front of the glans.

PCNL

see Percutaneous nephrolitholapaxy.

Pearl Index

Failure rate of a contraceptive method, named after the American biologist Raymond Pearl.
Calculation example:
100 women use a specific contraceptive method for one year. During this time, an average of 3 women become pregnant. The Pearl Index for the selected method is therefore 3. Some Pearl Index values for comparison, but these can only be indicative:

• Male sterilization 0.1
• Minipill 0.14 – 4
• Female sterilization 0.2 – 0.3
• IUD 1 – 2
• Basal temperature method 1 – 3
• Condom 3 – 4
• Coitus interruptus10 – 20

Pelvic floor EMG (electromyography)

Recording the activity of the pelvic floor muscles. Used to diagnose urination disorders.

Pelvic floor exercises

Physiotherapy measures to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor. Used as part of the treatment of urinary incontinence (involuntary loss of urine).

Penile deviation

Curvature of the penis, often in the context of Peyronie’s disease. A distinction is made between congenital and acquired penile curvature.

Congenital penile curvature is a disease in which the connective tissue proliferates, leading to scarring and retraction of the erectile tissue and, as a result, to a curved penis.

Acquired penile curvature is usually the result of penile injuries during sexual intercourse with tearing of the cavernous sheath (so-called penile fracture) and subsequent hematoma. Injuries to the erectile tissue in traffic or sports accidents can also be the cause. As long as penile deviation is only slightly pronounced and does not interfere mechanically with sexual intercourse, the indication for surgery should be treated with caution.

Penile induration (IPP, Peyronie’s disease)

A newly occurring hardening in the penis, known as plaque, which can cause deformity of the penis in the erect state. The most common deformity is penile curvature. IPP can lead to severe pain during erection and may render sexual intercourse impossible.

Perineum

Tissue area between the anus and the external genital organs. In men, this region is located between the anus and the scrotum, and in women between the anus and the posterior margin of the labia.

Percutaneous nephrolitholapaxy (PCNL)

Invasive procedure to remove kidney stones (nephrolithiasis). A kidney endoscope (nephroscope) is inserted into the kidney through a channel from the flank. This allows kidney stones to be pulled out with forceps or fragmented under direct vision using laser or ultrasound and then removed.

Peyronie’s disease

see penile induration

Phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin)

Constriction of the penis foreskin so that it can no longer be pulled back over the glans.

Phytotherapeutics

Medicines made from herbal active ingredients.

Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is an endocrine gland. It is about the size of a hazelnut and is located in the center of the head at the level of the nose. It produces hormones that control metabolism as well as other hormones such as the male sex hormone (testosterone). Inhibition of certain pituitary hormones leads to the blocking of testosterone and thus to inhibition of hormone-dependent prostate cancer.

Pointed condylomas (condylomata acuminata)

see condylomas.

Pollakiuria

Urination disorder with the urge to urinate frequently (> 8 times a day) without increased urine output, e.g. in prostate diseases.

Polyuria

Pathological excessive urination.

Potency disorder

see erectile dysfunction

Pouch

A reservoir formed from the small and/or large intestine for urine or feces when the bladder or bowel has to be removed.

Prepuce

Foreskin of the penis.

Premature ejaculation (Ejaculatio praecox)

Premature ejaculation is a sexual disorder in which a man is unable to control the time of ejaculation during sexual intercourse. It is the most common sexual dysfunction in men.

Premature ejaculation

Premature ejaculation in men.

Preternatural anus

Artificial bowel outlet in the abdominal wall for defecation (into a collecting bag).

Priapism

Painful permanent erection of the male member without sexual sensation. Can last from hours to weeks. The causes are complex. Rapid intervention by the urologist is necessary to avoid impending impotence.

Prostate (prostate gland)

Chestnut-sized organ that lies directly under the bladder and surrounds the urethra in a ring. It consists of many individual glands whose ducts open into the urethra. The main function of the prostate is the formation of prostate secretions, which form part of the seminal fluid and ensure the motility of the sperm (spermatozoa). The prostate, just like the testicles, epididymis, and vas deferens, is part of the male reproductive organs.

Prostate adenoma

see benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Prostate adenomectomy

Removal of a benign prostate adenoma by incisional surgery.

Prostate gland

see prostate.

Prostatic hyperplasia

see benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Prostate carcinoma

see prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer (prostate carcinoma)

Malignant tumors of the prostate are one of the most common types of cancer in men over the age of 50. The frequency increases with age. The cause is unknown, but there appears to be a hormone dependency; however, environmental influences and diet may also be possible factors. The familial clustering of prostate cancer also points to a genetic cause. Prostate cancer generally grows very slowly and may not initially cause any symptoms. As the size of the tumor increases, urinary symptoms occur, such as difficult or frequent urination, weak or interrupted urine flow, and incomplete bladder voiding. If the cancer has already spread to the bones, bone pain may occur. Early detection of prostate cancer is now possible by means of a rectal examination and by a blood test (prostate-specific antigen).

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)

The PSA level can be determined with a simple blood test and is an indication of changes in the prostate. The term marker is often used in this context. Elevated PSA values do not always mean prostate cancer. This must be checked in individual cases by means of a biopsy. However, elevated levels increase the statistical probability of a pathological change. The total PSA level (tPSA) should be below 2.5 ng/ml serum. It normally increases with age but should not exceed a limit of 4.0 ng/ml. The total PSA level is made up of complexed PSA (cPSA) and free PSA (fPSA). cPSA is increasingly formed in prostate cancer, while fPSA is elevated in benign prostate diseases. The ratio of fPSA divided by tPSA is a very specific indication of prostate carcinoma if the value is below 0.15.

Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate. A distinction is made between the acute and the chronic form. Symptoms: Pain in the groin and perineal area, frequent urination.

PSA

see prostate-specific antigen

PSA doubling time

Time period in which the PSA value doubles.

Pyelonephritis (inflammation of the renal pelvis)

Bacterial infection of the renal pelvis, where urine collects for transfer to the bladder. It is usually the result of an ascending infection, i.e. the pathogens travel via the urethra, bladder and ureter up to the renal pelvis. The infection is often associated with a feeling of illness, flank pain and fever. Due to their relatively short urethra, women are more frequently affected by pyelonephritis than men. Treatment is usually with antibiotics.

R

Radiation treatment

see Radiotherapy.

Radiation fibrosis

Increase in the body’s own connective tissue (scar tissue) as an undesired consequence of radiotherapy.

Radiotherapy

Medical use of radiation to cure diseases or at least delay their progression. In the narrower sense, this refers to the use of high-energy ionizing radiation (gamma radiation, X-ray bremsstrahlung, electrons, neutrons, protons, carbon ions) for therapeutic purposes, usually for malignant tumors (cancer).

Radical prostatectomy

Surgery for prostate cancer. The prostate is completely (radically) removed together with the seminal vesicles.

Radiocystitis

Radiation damage to the bladder.

Rapid strip test

Urine and blood tests with specially prepared test strips on which the result of an examination can be read immediately.

Reflux, vesicoureteral

Reflux of urine from the bladder into the ureter and kidney. May promote infections.

Rectal palpation

Palpation of the prostate (prostate gland) and rectum (rectum) with the finger. Also known as digital rectal examination (DRE). Palpation of the prostate provides information about the size and any pain sensitivity of the organ, its surface structure, and suspicious nodules. Tumors in the rectum can also be detected by rectal palpation. Rectal palpation is part of the prostate screening examination.

Rectal examination

Palpation of the prostate from the rectum. See also rectal palpation.

Rectum

The last section of the digestive system, which comprises the last 12 – 16 cm of the intestine and opens into the anal canal (anus) at the level of the sphincter muscle as the lower opening of the digestive tract. It serves to store indigestible food components, which can be excreted in a controlled manner via the defecation reflex.

Recurrence prophylaxis

Preventive measures to prevent the recurrence of a disease (relapse). Mostly used in urology in connection with urinary tract infections or bladder tumors.

Renal colic

Wavelike pain in the area of the kidneys and ureters, caused by an acute onset of obstruction to the outflow of urine from the kidney. The most common cause is a stone blocking the ureter (the connection between the kidney and bladder). Colic is usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Residual urine

The amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination. Incomplete emptying of the bladder can be caused by narrowing of the urethra and, particularly in men, by benign enlargement of the prostate gland (prostatic hyperplasia). Residual urine promotes infections and stone formation.

Retractile testicles

Sliding testicle, located partly in the scrotum and partly in the inguinal canal.

Rupture

see hernia.

S

Seminal duct (ductus deferens)

Part of the male genital tract that serves to transfer sperm from the epididymis to the urethra.

Seeds

Capsules or metal pins containing a radioactive substance that are inserted directly into the prostate. They remain in the tissue and gradually release the radiation until they are no longer radioactively charged.

Self-catheterization

see Intermittent self-catheterization.

Semi-castration

Surgical removal of a testicle, e.g., in the case of a testicular tumor.

Seminoma

Malignant testicular tumor – malignant germ cell tumor originating from the testicular tissue, more precisely from the spermatogonia.

Sex hormones

Collective term for the hormones that influence male and female sexuality and reproduction. The female sex hormones include estrogens and gestagens, while the male sex hormones include testosterone in particular.

Sexually transmitted diseases (venereal diseases)

Infectious diseases acquired primarily through sexual intercourse. In the narrower sense, these include syphilis, gonorrhea, soft chancre, and lymphogranuloma venereum.

Scintigraphy/scintigram

Scintigraphy is an imaging procedure used in diagnostic nuclear medicine. The resulting image is also called a scintigram. In scintigraphy, radioactively labeled substances are introduced into the body, accumulate in the organ to be examined, and are then visualized using a special camera that captures the radiation emitted. The method can be used to obtain information about the function of organs, for example in renal function scintigraphy. Bone scintigraphy can be used to detect pathological foci (e.g., metastases) in the skeleton. The radiation exposure is lower with scintigraphy than with comparable X-ray examinations.

Scrotum

Male reproductive organ, which is a skin pouch containing the testicles, epididymis, parts of the vas deferens, and the end of the spermatic cord.

Sjögren’s syndrome

Chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, which often leads to a loss of secretion from the lacrimal and salivary glands and to rheumatic complaints (joint and muscle pain).

Sonography (echography, ultrasound)

Use of ultrasound as an imaging technique to examine organic tissue in medicine. A sonogram is an image created with the help of sonography. Sonography is the most frequently used imaging procedure in medicine. A major advantage of sonography over X-rays, which are also frequently used in medicine, is that the sound waves used are harmless. The urological organs – kidneys, bladder, and prostate – are particularly suitable for ultrasound examination.

Spasmolytics

Medicines that relieve cramping, e.g., for bladder spasms or colic.

Sperm

Mature spermatozoa.

Spermiogram

Analysis of the ejaculate to determine the man’s fertility.

Sphincter

Sphincter muscle.

Staging

Assessment of the extent and spread of a tumor or the stage of the disease according to certain criteria.

Sterility (infertility)

Inability to father, conceive, or carry a child to term.

Men:
The possible causes of infertility in men usually include a lack of sperm production or low sperm motility. Malformations of the reproductive organs or diseases of the spermatic ducts are also possible factors. Examination of the seminal fluid and laboratory blood tests help significantly to clarify the cause. Testicular biopsy is another possible investigation.

Women:
In women, hormonal disorders, especially menstrual disorders, are particularly common causes of infertility. Irregular periods can disrupt egg maturation and even lead to a lack of ovulation. Endometriosis and fibroids are also widespread.

Stoma construction

Creation of an artificial outlet for urine or feces (into a collecting bag).

Stress incontinence

see urinary incontinence.

Stricture

Severe constriction of a hollow organ as a result of inflammation, scarring, or tumor, e.g., urethral stricture.

Sympathomimetics

Drugs that mimic the effect of the sympathetic nervous system, i.e., the part of the autonomic nervous system that cannot be influenced voluntarily. For example, they can ensure that the bladder sphincter is tense and the bladder muscles are relaxed.

T

Testicular dystopia

see cryptorchidism.

Testicular varicose vein

see varicocele.

Testicular torsion (testicular rotation)

Testicular torsion causes the testicle and its appendages to twist around their own longitudinal axis, which cuts off the vascular supply and can cause the testicle to die. Initially, the twisting causes pain in the lower abdomen, groin, and scrotum; the scrotum swells and becomes sensitive to touch. The blood flow in the testicle is reduced and it is at risk of dying. If the testicular circulation is completely interrupted, the testicle is usually irreversibly damaged after approx. 8 hours. A quick intervention, i.e. surgical exposure with correction of the position of the testicle, is therefore necessary if this is suspected. Testicular torsion is one of the urological emergencies. The causes are often sudden movements during sport or the effects of force. However, spontaneous torsion can often occur without any recognizable cause, e.g. during sleep.

Testosterone

Male sex hormone produced in the testicles.

TNM system

see tumor, lymph node, metastasis system.

Transrectal ultrasound examination (TRUS)

The transrectal ultrasound examination of the prostate is performed through the rectum (lat. trans: through, rectum: rectum/rectum). A special ultrasound probe about the thickness of a finger is inserted into the rectum via the anus. The images obtained provide precise information about the size of the prostate and the presence of pathological structures. The particular benefit of transrectal sonography is that if prostate cancer is suspected, a tissue sample (biopsy) can be taken for further examination.

Transurethral

Through the urethra.

Transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT)

Thermal, minimally invasive procedure to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) using microwaves delivered transurethrally.

Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA)

Removal of tissue from the prostate gland by applying heat, which generates radio frequency waves via needle antennas, thereby heating the prostate tissue to up to 100 degrees Celsius. The heat causes the prostate tissue to die and then to be removed.

Transurethral prostate resection (TUR-P)

A surgical technique in which the prostate is peeled out of its capsule through the urethra using high-frequency current and removed (colloquially referred to as “prostate shaving”). TUR-P is the standard operation for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement.

TRUS

see Transrectal ultrasound examination.

Tumor

Any swelling or growth of body tissue is referred to as a tumor. A distinction is made between benign and malignant tumors.

Tumor, lymph node, metastasis system (TNM system)

Classification of malignant tumors according to their spread.

Tumor markers

These may be proteins or other biological substances such as antigens or hormones in the blood or other body fluids, the increased concentration of which indicates or may indicate the presence or recurrence of a tumor. They are produced by the cancer cells themselves or are a reaction of other body tissues to tumor growth. The measurement is carried out in blood, urine, or tissue. Examples of tumor markers are: PSA, alpha-1-fetoprotein, beta-HCG.

TUMT

see Transurethral microwave therapy.

TUNA

see Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate.

TUR-P

see Transurethral prostate resection.

U

Ultrasound

see sonography.

Ureter

The ureter is approx. 25 to 30 cm long and carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

Ureteroscopy

see ureterorenoscopy.

Urethra (urethra)

The urethra leads from the bladder to the outside. The urethra in women is very short with a length of 3 to 4 cm and ends in the vaginal vestibule. In men, the urethra is 20 to 25 cm long and ends at the glans penis.

Ureterorenoscopy (URS, ureteroscopy)

Endoscopic examination of the ureter using a ureteroscope. If the renal pelvis is also assessed, this is called ureterorenoscopy. A flexible ureteroscope is inserted into the ureter via the urethra and bladder. There, the urinary stones can either be broken up with a laser under direct vision or removed with special baskets and forceps.

Ureterostomy, cutaneous

Creation of an artificial ureter outlet in the abdominal wall to drain the urine.

Urethra

see urethra.

Urethritis

Urethritis.

Urethrocystoscopy

see cystoscopy.

Urge incontinence

Strong urge to urinate, which leads to an unsuppressible emptying of the bladder.

Urge incontinence

see urinary incontinence.

Urine (Harn)

Urine (from the Latin *urina*) is a liquid excretory product of the organism. It is produced in the kidneys and is passed to the outside via the urinary tract. Urine excretion serves to regulate fluid and electrolyte balance and to eliminate metabolic degradation products, in particular the nitrogen compounds produced during the breakdown of proteins and nucleotides. Human urine is a usually yellow-coloured liquid. Numerous diseases have an effect on the composition of urine. A urine test can provide information about this. Natural urination is referred to as passing water (micturition).

Urinary bladder

Hollow organ in the lesser pelvis that serves as a reservoir for urine. The intake volume is 350 – 750 ml for men and 250 – 550 ml for women. The ureter transports urine from the renal pelvis to the bladder. When the bladder is full, it is emptied via the urethra.

Urinary blockage

see urinary retention.

Urine culture

Freshly collected urine is applied to a culture medium and then incubated in an incubator for 24 hours. This makes it possible to determine whether bacteria have grown. If there is any bacterial growth, the pathogen is identified and tested. Once the results are available, the patient can be treated specifically with the best possible medication.

Urine cytology

Examination of urine or bladder irrigation fluid for malignant cells after special staining.

Urinary incontinence (bladder weakness, incontinence, stress incontinence)

Inability to hold urine in the bladder (involuntary urination). Bladder voiding works through a complicated interplay of muscles and nerves: one part is controlled voluntarily via the brain. A large involuntary part is determined by the spinal cord. This interaction can be disrupted at various points. Neurogenic bladder voiding dysfunction is the term used for pathological changes in the nerve supply that controls bladder emptying, e.g. in the case of paraplegia. Stress incontinence describes bladder weakness caused by a sphincter muscle that is too weak. Urge incontinence is when bladder emptying is involuntary, or a strong urge to urinate leads to bladder voiding that cannot be suppressed. Overflow incontinence occurs when urine can no longer drain properly due to an obstruction behind the bladder, e.g. prostatic hyperplasia, and the bladder eventually “overflows.” Damage to the nervous system, e.g. due to diabetes or alcoholism, can also lead to overflow.

Urinary retention (urinary retention)

Inability to empty the bladder. This can be caused by a large prostate, a bladder stone, or a narrowing of the urethra. The bladder is overstretched, causing unbearable pain. Rapid treatment is achieved by emptying the bladder using a catheter.

Urinary stones

Deposits that form from crystals and can occur throughout the urinary tract, i.e. in the kidney (kidney stones), ureter, bladder, and urethra. The deposits often consist of calcium oxalates. They account for around 70 to 75 % of all urinary stones. Other common components are uric acid, calcium phosphate, magnesium ammonium phosphate, or cystine. There are various causes for the formation of urinary stones, such as not drinking enough, which results in an excessively high concentration of urine so deposits can form in the form of stones. Poor diet, obesity, urinary tract infections, metabolic disorders, e.g. hyperparathyroidism, outflow obstruction of the urinary tract, e.g. narrowing of the renal pelvis, and congenital diseases, e.g. cystinuria, are also causes of the formation of urinary stones.

Urinary tract inflammation

see urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infection (urinary tract inflammation)

The urinary tract extends from the kidneys through the bladder to its outlet, the urethra. Normally, the urine is sterile. When bacteria in the urinary tract cause inflammation, this is called a urinary tract infection. This can vary greatly in severity, from a simple bladder infection to threatening febrile kidney infections. The detection of bacteria in urine without symptoms of illness is called bacteriuria (see bacteriuria). For anatomical reasons, young children and women most frequently have urinary tract infections. In men, the risk of a urinary tract infection increases with age.

Urination diary

A chart recording fluid intake, number of toilet visits, urine volume, and any involuntary urine leakage. It helps patients and doctors track bladder function in conditions like overactive bladder, enuresis, or urinary incontinence.

Urine flow measurement

see uroflowmetry.

Uroflowmetry (urine flow measurement)

Determination of the amount of urine flowing out of the bladder per unit of time (ml/sec). The examination allows conclusions to be drawn about diseases of the bladder or prostate. During uroflowmetry, the patient passes urine into a measuring vessel and the examination is completely painless.

Urography

see excretory urography.

Urosepsis

Life-threatening complication of an infection, e.g., of the urinary tract. Urinary tract infection accompanied by urinary tract obstruction results in fever, chills, a feeling of illness and pain. Urosepsis is dangerous because bacteria pass from the urine into the bloodstream and it often leads to death if untreated.

Urostomy

Artificial bladder outlet for emptying urine into a collecting bag.

Urothelium

Epithelium (lining) of the urinary tract.

URS

see ureterorenoscopy.

Uterus (womb)

Female reproductive organ in which the fertilized eggs mature into an embryo and fetus before birth.

V

Vaginismus

Spasm of the vaginal entrance when it is touched or intercourse is attempted; usually psychological.

Varicocele (varicose vein in the testicle)

Dilation of the testicular vein that is visible and palpable. In addition to pain in the testicles and/or groin area, a change in the sperm can lead to a reduction in fertility.

Vasectomy

see male sterilization.

Visual laser ablation of the prostate (VLAP) – laser surgery of the prostate

Transurethral (=through the urethra) removal of the prostate using laser beams with the aid of an endoscope.
Different types of laser are used.

VLAP

see Visual laser ablation of the prostate.

Vulva

Term for the external female genitalia, i.e., the mons pubis, the labia majora and labia minora, the Bartholin’s glands that open onto their inner surface, the clitoris, and the vaginal vestibule.