Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

Levator function in nulliparous women.

H P Dietz1, A B Steensma, T G Vancaillie

  • 1Royal Hospital for Women and University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

International Urogynecology Journal and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
|February 26, 2003
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Can we define a cut-off for external anal sphincter defect angle?

Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·2026
Same author

Do we need individualized interslice intervals for exoanal tomographic imaging?

Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·2025
Same author

Is two-dimensional oblique parasagittal ultrasound imaging valid for levator ani muscle assessment?

Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·2025
Same author

Levator-urethra gap: is there a need for individualization of cut-offs?

Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·2024
Same author

Do some levator avulsions improve over time?

Ultrasound in obstetrics & gynecology : the official journal of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology·2024
Same author

Diagnosis of maternal birth trauma by pelvic floor ultrasound.

European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology·2023
Same journal

Minimally invasive surgery in urogynecology.

International urogynecology journal and pelvic floor dysfunction·2012
Same journal

Do the anatomical defects associated with cystocele affect the outcome of the anterior repair? A clinical and radiological study.

International urogynecology journal and pelvic floor dysfunction·2010
Same journal

Overactive bladder: a new paradigm.

International urogynecology journal and pelvic floor dysfunction·2009
Same journal

An unexpected cause of dyspareunia and partner dyspareunia following TVT-Secur.

International urogynecology journal and pelvic floor dysfunction·2009
Same journal

Vesicovaginal fistula caused by a vaginal foreign body in a 72-year-old woman: case report and literature review.

International urogynecology journal and pelvic floor dysfunction·2009
Same journal

A serious complication following placement of posterior Prolift.

International urogynecology journal and pelvic floor dysfunction·2009
See all related articles

Defining normal pelvic floor function is crucial for treating female urinary incontinence. This study found that while many women can contract pelvic floor muscles, optimal contraction often requires guidance, and reflex activation is linked to stronger function.

Area of Science:

  • Urogynecology
  • Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
  • Female Pelvic Health

Background:

  • Pelvic floor muscle exercises are a primary conservative treatment for female urinary incontinence.
  • There is limited understanding of 'normal' pelvic floor muscle function in women.
  • Establishing a baseline for normal function is essential for effective treatment and rehabilitation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define the spectrum of normal pelvic floor muscle function in women.
  • To assess pelvic floor muscle activity using translabial ultrasound.
  • To identify factors influencing pelvic floor muscle strength and contraction.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective observational study involving 206 nulliparous women in early pregnancy.
  • Translabial ultrasound was used to evaluate levator muscle function by measuring bladder neck displacement.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Assessment included spontaneous contractions, response to verbal cues, and reflex contractions during coughing.

    • Main Results:

    • Only 20% of women had received verbal instruction on pelvic floor exercises, with no impact on strength.
    • Optimal contractions required advice for 47% of participants.
    • Reflex activation during coughing (57%) and reported use during intercourse were associated with stronger levator activity.

    Conclusions:

    • Normal pelvic floor muscle function varies, and many women require guidance to achieve optimal contractions.
    • Reflex muscle activation and specific activities are indicators of stronger pelvic floor function.
    • Understanding these factors can inform more effective pelvic floor muscle training programs for women's health.