Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
Published on: September 20, 2018
Pubococcygeal activity on perineal ultrasound in incontinent women
Mara de Abreu Etienne1, André Lima de Oliveira, Silvia da Silva Carramão
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, Rua Dr Cesário Mota Jr 112, Vila Buarque, 01221-020 São Paulo, Brazil. maraetienne@uol.com.br
Introduction And Hypothesis:
The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability and reproducibility of perineal ultrasound (US) in the evaluation of the pubococcygeal muscle (PCM) activity in urinary incontinent women.
Methods:
Thirty women were assessed twice by two examiners who measured the angle between the lateral bundles of the PCM. The 2D US on coronal view evaluated the PCM performance during squeezing, straining, and resting.
Results:
There was significant correlation (p ≤ 0.001) in all measurements to both examiners, except for the contraction on their second assessment. The images showed asymmetries of muscle volume and activity. Five women (16.7%) had difficulty to rest after squeezing or straining, six (20%) first opened the muscle bundles when asked to squeeze them, and eight (26.7%) had no movement during different moments.
Conclusions:
The 2D perineal US on coronal view is useful to evaluate PCM activity. It is easily applicable and reproducible.
Related Concept Videos
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography
Nursing Assessment of the Genitourinary System III: Percussion and Auscultation
Imaging Studies II: Ultrasonography
Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
Urodynamic Studies: Uroflowmetry
Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...

