ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Artificial urinary sphincter

An artificial urinary sphincter is a small device that helps people who have trouble controlling their pee (urine) to manage it better. It works like a little gate that opens and closes when you need it to.

The device has three parts: a thin tube that goes into the bladder to get the pee out, a pump that sits inside the body, and a small balloon or cuff that wraps around the urethra (the tube that carries pee out of the body).

When a person needs to pee, they use the pump to release some of the fluid in the tube and into the cuff, which closes around the urethra like a rubber band. This keeps the pee inside until the person is ready to go to the bathroom. When they are ready, they use the pump again to release the cuff, which opens up and allows the pee to flow out.

The artificial urinary sphincter can be helpful for people who have had surgery for prostate cancer, spinal cord injuries, or other conditions that affect their ability to control their bladder. It can help them feel more confident and comfortable in social situations, and can prevent accidents or leaks from happening.