Urethral sounding

Urethral Sounding

Urethral sounding (/juːˈriːθrəl ˈsaʊndɪŋ/) is a medical procedure that involves the insertion of a sound into the urethra. The practice is used for both medical and recreational purposes.

Etymology

The term "urethral sounding" comes from the medical instrument known as a sound, which is used to probe and dilate passages within the body. The term "urethra" is derived from the Ancient Greek "οὐρήθρα" (ourḗthrā), which means "a conduit for urine".

Procedure

Urethral sounding involves the insertion of a sound, a long, thin rod typically made of surgical steel, into the urethra. The sound is carefully inserted into the urethra and can be pushed in up to a point where it enters the bladder. The procedure is often performed for the purpose of dilating the urethra, for medical examinations, or for sexual stimulation.

Risks and Complications

Like any medical procedure, urethral sounding carries potential risks and complications. These can include urinary tract infections, urethral stricture, and damage to the urethra or bladder. It is recommended that the procedure be performed by a trained medical professional or under their supervision.

Related Terms

Catheterization: The process of inserting a catheter, a flexible tube, into the body. In the context of urethral sounding, a catheter may be used instead of a sound.
Cystoscopy: A medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra.
Urology: The branch of medicine that focuses on the health of the urinary system.