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 Concept Videos

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus01:25

Assessment of the Rectum and Anus

Evaluating the rectum and anus plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough physical examination of the gastrointestinal system. Although it may be uncomfortable and often embarrassing for the patient, it holds immense diagnostic value, particularly in detecting gastrointestinal diseases and abnormalities. This guide will explain how to perform this assessment using inspection and palpation methods.
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...

You might also read

Related Articles

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

Sort by
Same author

Tailoring menopause education to the needs of primary care clinicians: the Oregon menopause ECHO experience.

Menopause (New York, N.Y.)·2026
Same author

Frequent urinary tract infections in midlife and older women.

Menopause (New York, N.Y.)·2026
Same author

Risk Factors for and Repair of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries.

Obstetrics and gynecology·2026
Same author

Three-Year Outcomes of Second-Stage Pushing Timing on Postpartum Pelvic Floor Morbidity.

Obstetrics and gynecology·2025
Same author

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM): recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024).

Sexual medicine reviews·2025
Same author

Initiation and Utilization of Psychotherapy in Women With Overactive Bladder.

Urogynecology (Philadelphia, Pa.)·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
03:49

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System

Published on: September 20, 2018

Using the Brink score to predict postpartum anal incontinence.

Virginia G King1, Sarah H Boyles, Teresa R Worstell

  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.

American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
|September 21, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Pelvic floor muscle strength, measured by the Brink scale, did not predict postpartum anal incontinence in first-time mothers. Anal incontinence symptoms are common during pregnancy but often improve after delivery.

More Related Videos

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
14:56

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)

Published on: January 27, 2010

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System
03:49

Anogenital Distance and Perineal Measurements of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Quantification System

Published on: September 20, 2018

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)
14:56

An Experimental Paradigm for the Prediction of Post-Operative Pain (PPOP)

Published on: January 27, 2010

Area of Science:

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Pelvic Floor Disorders
  • Women's Health

Background:

  • Anal incontinence is a common concern during and after pregnancy.
  • Pelvic floor muscle strength is often assessed using tools like the Brink scale.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if antepartum (before birth) pelvic floor muscle strength predicts postpartum (after birth) anal incontinence.
  • Investigate the relationship between Brink scale scores and anal incontinence symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study involving primigravid women.
  • Utilized validated questionnaires and standardized pelvic examinations during the third trimester and at two postpartum intervals.
  • Assessed fecal and flatal incontinence, and pelvic floor muscle strength via the Brink scale.

Main Results:

  • Antepartum and postpartum fecal incontinence prevalence remained similar (14% vs. 17% at 2 weeks, 11% at 6 months).
  • Flatal incontinence prevalence significantly decreased postpartum (65% antepartum vs. 47% at 2 weeks, 49% at 6 months).
  • No significant correlation was found between antepartum Brink scale scores and postpartum anal incontinence symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Anal incontinence symptoms are prevalent during the third trimester of pregnancy and may resolve postpartum.
  • Antepartum pelvic floor muscle strength, as measured by the Brink scale, is not a reliable predictor of postpartum anal incontinence.