3-D Endoanal Ultrasound: Normative Anatomy of the Anal Sphincter in Nulliparous Females
3-D Endoanal Ultrasound: Normative Anatomy of the Anal Sphincter in Nulliparous Females
The purpose of this research study is to measure the muscles that make up your anal sphincter
 (muscles that control bowel movements) by using ultrasound. The most common way for women to
 injure these muscles is through childbirth. Some physicians think about 30% of women
 delivering their first baby develop some anal sphincter damage, which may or may not lead to
 symptoms such as anal urgency or incontinence (involuntary loss of gas or stool). The purpose
 of the study is to measure muscles in normal women who have never given birth or had an
 injury to their anal sphincter.
Participants will be asked to complete a one page questionnaire. This questionnaire will
 address whether perineal trauma, sphincter lacerations, anal incontinence, and fecal urgency
 impact the subject on any level. Subjects will also be asked about their bowel habits and
 history of problems with bowel movements. Subjects will then be asked to undergo an
 ultrasound study of the anal sphincter at the time of enrollment. Completing the entire study
 will take no more than 15 minutes. This will be done at the doctor's office. Answering the
 questionnaire will take no more than 5 minutes.

 The endoanal ultrasound is a probe with a diameter equivalent to the index finger. It is
 inserted in the rectum and measures the length and width of the sphincter muscles.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  nulliparous women over the age of 18.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  any history of anal incontinence, chronic constipation, anorectal disease or trauma,
 neuromuscular or neuropsychiatric disease, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, or
 previous anorectal or pelvic surgeries.