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Updated: May 6, 2026

Quantification of Levator Ani Hiatus Enlargement by Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Males and Females with Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Published on: April 17, 2019
Magnetic resonance imaging of female urethral and periurethral disorders
Venkateswar Rao Surabhi1, Christine O Menias, Verghese George
1Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, MSB 2.130, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
This article reviews the normal anatomy of the female urethra, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques, and the role of MR imaging in the evaluation of diverse urethral and periurethral diseases. Salient MR imaging findings of common and uncommon cystic urethral lesions (urethral diverticulum, Skene cyst, and vaginal cysts), and masses (urethral carcinoma, leiomyoma, melanoma, fibroepithelial polyp, caruncle, and mucosal prolapse) are presented. The evolving role of dynamic MR in the evaluation of stress urinary incontinence is reviewed.
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Urethra
The anatomy of the urethra differs between males and females. In females, the urethra is short, measuring about 3–4 cm in length, and opens anterior to the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is longer and passes through the penis, serving dual purposes: expelling urine and ejaculating semen. The male...

