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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
05:25
Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing
Published on: August 14, 2019
The urethral motion profile: a novel method to evaluate urethral support and mobility
Ka Lai Shek1, Hans Peter Dietz
1Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, Nepean Hospital, Nepean Clinical School, University of Sydney, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
Summary
Childbirth increases urethral mobility, particularly after instrumental delivery, suggesting weakened urethral support. This study used 3D/4D translabial ultrasound to measure changes in urethral motion post-delivery.
Area of Science:
- Urogynecology
- Pelvic floor disorders
- Biomechanical analysis of pelvic organs
Background:
- Urethral hypermobility is a key theory explaining stress urinary incontinence.
- Childbirth, especially traumatic vaginal delivery, may damage urethral supports, contributing to incontinence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a reliable methodology for assessing urethral mobility.
- To characterize urethral motion in young, nulliparous women.
- To evaluate changes in urethral mobility following childbirth.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3D/4D translabial ultrasound to acquire volume datasets.
- Assessed urethral mobility at rest and during Valsalva maneuver in nulliparous women.
- Quantified mobility vectors from the bladder neck to the urethral meatus, comparing antepartum and postpartum measurements.
Main Results:
- The developed ultrasound method demonstrated high reproducibility (ICC=0.80).
- Urethral mobility significantly increased in most segments after childbirth (P < 0.001).
- Greater mobility changes were observed following instrumental vaginal delivery.
Conclusions:
- 3D/4D translabial ultrasound is a viable method for studying urethral mobility.
- Childbirth leads to increased urethral mobility, indicating potential alterations in pelvic support.
- Instrumental delivery appears to exacerbate changes in urethral mobility.
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