The proximal urethral bulb in men is enlarged, surrounds the bulbous urethra, and extends dorsally towards the perineum.\nDuring intercourse engorgement takes place due to increased blood flow through the corpus spongiosum. Antegrade ejaculation is\nfacilitated by contraction of the bulbospongiosus muscles during climax. Micturition during sexual stimulation is functionally\ninhibited. Supporting the bulb may indirectly facilitate continence in a certain subset of patients with post prostatectomy\nincontinence. During physical activity with increased abdominal pressure, reflex contraction of the pelvic floor muscles as well\nas the bulbospongiosus muscles occurs to support sphincter function and limit urinary incontinence. Operations to the prostate\nmay weaken urinary sphincter function. It is hypothesized that the distal urinary sphincter may be supported indirectly by placing\na hammock underneath the urethral bulb. During moments of physical stress the ââ?¬Å?cushionââ?¬Â of blood within the supported corpus\nspongiosum helps to increase the zone of coaptation within the sphincteric (membranous) urethra. This may lead to urinary\ncontinence in patients treated by a transobturator repositioning sling in patients with post prostatectomy incontinence. This paper\ndescribes the possible role of the urethral bulb in male urinary continence, including its function after retroluminal sling placement\n(AdVance, AdVance XPââ??â?¡ Male Sling System, Minnetonka, USA).
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