Is transpubic sonography a reliable assessment for functional voiding in asymptomatic females (A Wee project)
This study is now closed
The research aims to show that the described ultrasound test is simple to perform and able to be performed accurately by suitably trained sonographers.
We are seeking 30 women who have or have not had children, asymptomatic of lower urinary tract symptoms and pelvic area prolapse, to participate. Volunteers will be given all the information via email and verbal preparation instructions from the principal researcher. This will provide the volunteer with information on participating in the research including the need to pass urine whilst being scanned (ultrasound), a potentially embarrassing situation which may cause their withdrawal from the project.
Two scanning sessions lasting approximately 2 hrs+ each will be required to complete the study.
Volunteers should be well hydrated for both sessions and arrive with a full bladder. All scans are done in a seated position whilst urinating. The ultrasound transducer is placed on the skin of the pelvic area and an ultrasound recording of the soft tissue activity during urination is performed. Volunteers are asked to initiate urination and completely empty the bladder, next, refill and wait until they are ready to urinate again. This is the first session.
Second session will be the same as the first but this time, the first scan will be done by the principal researcher and the next by another sonographer.
Eligibility
Inclusion criteria:
- All women aged 18-55 years
- Premenopausal
- Asymptomatic of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS, confirmed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire – Short Form Urinary Incontinence (ICIQ-SF UI) score <6)
- Sufficient English language skills to participate
- Body mass index (BMI) <33
- Able to contract their pelvic floor muscles (PFM) for at least three seconds
- ICIQ-VS score should be <10
Exclusion criteria:
- Previous medical or surgery for LUTS
- Known history of PFM dysfunction
- Urinary/vaginal infection
- Surgery for prolapse
- Surgery for vaginal mesh or any major gynaecological
- Neurological
- Pelvic prolapse confirmed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire (ICIQ-VS)
- Currently pregnant
- Under 6 months post-partum
- Congenital disease that could interfere with participation
Participant Benefits
Volunteers will be able to see the videos of the ultrasound and will be paid $100 after completing the second session.
Register your interest
You can register your interest by scanning the QR Code or clicking the link below.
This study has been approved by The University of Queensland Human Research Ethics Committee [Approval No.2021/HE000137]