What does the Q-tip test assess in women?

The Q-tip test is utilized primarily to assess urethral mobility in women. This test evaluates the position and movement of the urethra during pelvic floor muscle contraction and relaxation. When a Q-tip is inserted into the urethra and the woman is asked to do a maneuver such as a cough or a valsalva maneuver, the degree of movement of the Q-tip can indicate the mobility of the urethra.

This assessment is particularly useful in the context of diagnosing urinary incontinence or other pelvic floor disorders. If urethral mobility is excessive, it may point to conditions such as stress urinary incontinence.

While other conditions mentioned in the question—such as urethral irritation, pelvic inflammatory disease, or vaginal atrophy—are important in women's health, they do not specifically relate to what the Q-tip test directly evaluates. Urethral irritation might present with symptoms such as dysuria or urinary urgency but would not be assessed through the Q-tip test. Similarly, pelvic inflammatory disease and vaginal atrophy have their own diagnostic criteria and tests that align more specifically with those conditions.