Pelvic floor muscles in men: an explorative study

Medical treatment for male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) only has a
moderate effect. This is caused by the multifactorial origine of male LUTS and
the unidirectional mechanisme of medication. In female patients, pelvic floor
muscle (PFM) activity appears to have a considerable impact on voiding and
continence. It is unknown what the role of these muscles are in men. The
availability of a small rectal probe to measure pelvic floor muscle activity
enables us with the opportunity to study the possible role of PFM in male LUTS.

We aim to explore the role of PFM activity in male LUTS

Observational study with a 12 week follow-up period.

Participants will undergo the structured examination like all other male
patients referred to the outpatient urology clinic. This includes the
completion of questionnaires, a voiding diary, urolflowmetry, postvoid residual
measurement, and a physical examination including digital rectal examination.
For this study, additional measurements are performed using the Multiple Array
Probe Leiden (MAPLe). Participants will put this small probe into their rectum,
while lying on their side. The MAPLe measures muscle activity (electomyography)
of the different pelvic floor muscles. This measurement may be uncomfortable,
but is not painful and takes a few minutes. Men will watch an instruction video
and place the probe themselves. Correctness of the placement will be checked by
a researcher, before measurements take place.
Patients are treated according to the guidelines. Outcomes of this study will
not influence treatment decisions. Symptoms will be evaluated after 6-12 weeks,
for which participants will fill out additional questionnaires. At the
follow-up appointment (scheduled as regular care), MAPLe measurement will be
repeated.