What is Urodynamic Testing?

Urodynamic testing is a set of tests and X-rays. These tests help to find out how well your bladder and the part of your body that drains pee from the bladder (urethra) are working.

Why do I need this testing?

You may need these tests if you:

• Are leaking pee (urine).
• Have trouble starting or stopping peeing (urination).
• Pee often or it hurts to pee.
• Have urinary tract infections often.
• Are not able to empty your bladder.
• Have strong urges to pee.
• Have a weak flow of pee.

How do I prepare for the tests?

• Ask your doctor about:
  • Changing or stopping your normal medicines. This is important if you take diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Whether you should arrive for the test having to pee.
• Tell your doctor about:
  • Any allergies you have.
  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

In general, these tests are safe. But some of the tests have risks. These may include:

• Discomfort.
• Feeling a need to pee often.
• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Allergic reactions to medicines or dyes.

How are the tests done?

The tests may be done in one visit or may be done over a few visits. You may be given an antibiotic medicine to help keep you from getting an infection.

The types of tests done may include:

Uroflowmetry

This test measures how much you pee and how long it takes. You will pee into a type of toilet or device that sends measurements to a computer.

Postvoid residual measurement

This test measures how much pee is left in your bladder after you pee. It may be done by:

• Using sound waves and a computer to create pictures of your bladder (ultrasound).
• Putting a thin, flexible tube (catheter) into your bladder to take out the pee that is left so it can be measured.

Cystometric testing

This test measures how much pressure there is in your bladder before you pee and as you pee.

• You may be given a medicine to numb the area (local anesthetic).
• The area around the opening of your urethra will be cleaned.
• A thin, flexible tube will be used to empty your bladder.
• A flexible tube that can measure pressure will then be placed. Your bladder will be filled with germ-free water.
• Pressure will be measured:
  • As your bladder fills.
  • When you feel the need to pee.
  • As your bladder is emptied.
• In some cases, your bladder may be filled with a dye that shows up on X-rays (contrast material) so that X-ray pictures can be taken during the test.

Electromyogram

This test measures the activity of the nerves and muscles in your bladder and in the tube that empties your bladder. Sticky patches (electrodes) will be placed on your body to measure electrical activity.

What happens after the testing?

• You should be able to go home right away.
• You can do your usual activities.
• You may be told to drink a glass of water every 30 minutes. Do this for the first 2 hours you are home.
• Taking a warm bath or using a warm, wet towel may relieve any discomfort.

Let your doctor know if you have:

• Pain.
• Blood in your pee.
• Chills.
• Fever.

What do my test results mean?

Talk with your doctor about what your results mean. These test results can help your doctor find out how well your bladder and the tube that empties your bladder are working. Your results and your symptoms can help your doctor find what might be causing your problems.

Questions to ask your doctor

Ask your doctor, or the department that is doing the test:

• When will my results be ready?
• How will I get my results?
• What are my treatment options?
• What other tests do I need?
• What are my next steps?

Summary

• Urodynamic testing is a set of tests and X-rays.
• These tests help to find out how well your bladder and the part of your body that drains pee from the bladder are working.
• Your results and your symptoms can help your doctor find what might be causing your problems.
• Talk with your doctor about what your results mean.