Urodynamic Testing

Your lower urinary tract. The lower urinary tract has two main functions: storing and emptying urine. The bladder is a muscle-lined organ which collects urine until you are ready to release it. The urethra is a canal which carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and urethra to keep them in the proper position. To store urine, the bladder muscle stays relaxed as the urethral muscle (sphincter) contracts. To empty urine, the urethral sphincter and pelvic floor muscles relax while the bladder contracts.

What will happen during your urodynamic study? Urodynamic testing provides valuable data on bladder function for your provider to make the best recommendations for treatment. This study does not require sedating medication. When you arrive at the office for your test, you will be asked to undress from the waist down and a drape or gown will be provided. The study usually takes between 30-40 minutes.

Several different tests are used to evaluate symptoms of the lower urinary tract. Because of your particular symptoms and concerns, tests which you can expect to be performed at your appointment are as follows:

• Uroflowmetry - This test measures the amount and rate of urine you void from your bladder. This noninvasive study is frequently used to screen for bladder emptying problems. Process: You will be asked to urinate into a special container placed under a commode or into a funnel attached to equipment that records your urine flow over time.
• Cystometry - This test evaluates how much your bladder can hold, how well the bladder muscle functions and how the neurological signals work that tell you when your bladder is full. This is the primary test used to reproduce and evaluate symptoms of incontinence and other bladder problems. Process: A catheter will be inserted through the urethra into the bladder. Through this catheter, your bladder will be filled with sterile water or a saline solution. A second catheter may be placed in your vagina to provide additional data. You'll be asked to report any sensations you feel and if they are similar to ones you've felt at home. You may be asked to cough, bear down or stand during the test.
• Pressure Flow Study - This test is an in depth measurement of the pressure and flow of urine out of your bladder. This study is valuable for evaluating problems with emptying urine. Process: Pressure flow studies can be performed during the cystometry. You will be asked to urinate with the cystometry catheters in place into a funnel attached to special equipment.
• Urethral Pressure Profile Study - This test evaluates the amount of pressure in your urethra. This information can be useful in evaluating the cause of incontinence. Process: The bladder catheter is withdrawn slowly from the bladder and special equipment generates a urethral pressure curve.

Getting your results. Tests results may be available after the study is finished, or you may be asked to return to the clinic in a few days for your results. The report will include a summary of the study results, and the diagnosis of your problem and suggestions for further evaluation and treatment. After reviewing the results, your provider will talk to you about the study report and your treatment options.

Some Information to help inform you of your upcoming procedure. Your physician has recommended that you have urodynamic testing. This simple, painless study is a series of tests that allows the clinic to evaluate any problems your bladder may have with storing or emptying urine.

Why You Need a Urodynamic Study. Reasons that the clinic is offering you this test may include the following common problems:

• You may be incontinent (leak urine)
• Your bladder may not empty completely.
• You may have uncomfortable symptoms, such as the frequent need to urinate or a constant, urgent need to urinate.
• Your urine stream may be intermittent or weak.
• You may have persistent urinary tract infections

Back to the main Urogynecology page.