Glossary terms - U

Ultrasound

Scanning technique which involves exposing part of the body to high-frequency sound waves to produce pictures of the inside of the body. Can help to diagnose a variety of conditions and to assess organ damage following illness.

Units of alcohol

One unit equals 8g of alcohol by weight. This translates to 125 ml of wine (a small glass), a standard pub measure of spirits and a half-pint of ordinary strength beer or cider. Strong beer or cider contains 1.5 units per half pint, and an alcopop is also 1.5 units. Variations in the percentage alcohol content of drinks, and in the size of glass in which they are served mean that care is needed to stay within recommended safe daily limits.

Unsaturated fats

A healthier alternative to saturated fat, this can be found in vegetable oils such as sesame, sunflower, soya and olive; oily fish, such as mackerel, sardines, pilchards and salmon; and soft margarine. All fats should be used sparingly.

Urge incontinence

A sudden urgent desire to pass urine and inability to put off going to the toilet. Sometimes called an unstable or overactive bladder.

Urologist

Medical specialist who concentrates on the urinary tract; kidneys, ureter, bladder, urethra; the reproductive organs of males, and directs the management of urinary infections, incontinence and other conditions.