ABSTRACT
Introduction A system of classification lives only as long as it is generally perceived to correspond to the reality it is intended to describe. The need to revise it is thus present on a continuous basis. The current classification system for disorders and terminology in the lower urinary tract1-3 needs to be revised.4 The new approach described herein does not represent any generally accepted system, but rather is a proposal for a new manner in which to view the reality. It is rooted in disorder/illness processes and injuries being described in terms of structure and function and not, as previously (and presently), primarily in terms of consequential effects such as symptoms. Actually, we should be speaking of lower urinary tract disorders. Dysfunction in fact describes only one half of the structure function pair. We should also be quite aware that a classification that we use as researchers due to, among other things, pedagogical reasons, must ultimately be separated from the one which we in the capacity of caregivers use in contact with, for example, the patients.
