What is Pelvic Floor Sphincter Electromyogram

Pelvic floor sphincter electromyogram (EMG) is a procedure to check your pelvic muscles for weakness. This procedure uses electrodes to measure the electrical impulses that come from muscles:

• That control urine release from your bladder (urinary sphincter).
• That control bowel movements from your anus (anal sphincter).
• In your pelvis (pelvic floor).

You may need this procedure if you are having problems with the control of your urine or bowel movements (are incontinent).

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur. When needle electrodes are inserted into the skin, possible risks include:

• Discomfort.
• Inflammation.
• Bleeding.

What happens before the procedure?

• Ask your health care provider about: 
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines.
  • Stopping any use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, or e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Not having any caffeine before the procedure.
• You may be asked to drink water before the procedure. Follow your health care provider’s instructions.

What happens during the procedure?

• You will be asked to lie flat on your back.
• Two electrodes will be placed near the area of the urethra or rectum. These will measure the electrical activity of your pelvic muscles. These may be placed on the surface or inserted into your pelvic floor muscles with very tiny needles.
• Your pelvic muscle activity will be measured with these electrodes when your bladder is empty, during bladder filling, and after you urinate.
• These measurements will be recorded and made into graphics (tracings)that your health care provider can use to see how well your pelvic floor sphincter muscles are working.
• You may be asked to squeeze your pelvic floor muscles tightly or to cough.
• You will have a thin, flexible tube (catheter) placed into your bladder through the opening where urine leaves the body (urethra).
• The catheter may be moved in and out while tracings are taken.
• Your bladder may be filled with sterile solution through the catheter.
• The catheter will be removed. You may be asked to empty your bladder while additional tracings are recorded.
• The electrodes will be removed.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• If the electrodes were placed into your muscles with needles, you will be checked for signs of bleeding, bruising, or irritation.
• Your health care provider may ask you to avoid sexual activity directly following the procedure.
• Taking a warm bath or using warm, wet cloths (warm compresses) may relieve any discomfort near your urethra.
• Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
  • When will my results be ready?
  • How will I get my results?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What other tests do I need?
  • What are my next steps?
• Contact your health care provider if you have:
  • Pain.
  • Blood in your urine.
  • Chills.
  • A fever.

Summary

• Pelvic floor sphincter electromyogram is a procedure to check your pelvic muscles for weakness or an inability to move.
• This procedure uses electrodes to measure the electrical impulses that come from your urinary or anal sphincter or the pelvic muscles surrounding them.
• The information from the test will help your health care provider determine the best plan for helping you control your bladder and bowels.