Urodynamics is a study that tells us how your bladder and urethra are performing their job of storing and releasing urine. We are proud to provide comprehensive Urodynamics testing, utilizing state-of-the-art technologies. Our highly skilled nurse specialists and clinicians can administer the testing which will help your doctor determine the best form of treatment for the conditions that present with some of the following symptoms:
- incontinence
- frequent urination
- sudden, strong urges to urinate
- problems starting a urine stream
- painful urination
- problems emptying your bladder completely
- recurrent urinary tract infections
Urodynamics testing focuses on the bladder’s inability to empty steadily and completely. It can also show whether the bladder is having abnormal contractions that cause leakage. Your doctor will want to know whether you have difficulty starting a urine stream, if you have to strain to maintain the stream, whether the stream is interrupted and whether any urine is left in your bladder when you are done. The remaining urine is called the post-void residual.
You will be asked to empty your bladder with some tubes placed in your bladder on a special chair. There is minimal discomfort, and our staff will make every effort to make you comfortable. The nurse specialist will guide you through the entire test answering any questions that you have. The test takes anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour. Some patients will also have a video segment recorded, during which the doctor will observe your bladder activity on camera. This video observation may add another 30 minutes to the procedure.
Please read the following instructions so you can prepare for your appointment and allow your doctor to get the best possible information for your care. You will be contacted within the week to schedule an appointment. Our Urodynamics Scheduler can be reached at 466-3406, ext. 3714. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Preparing for Your Urodynamics Test
- Please complete the three-day bladder diary provided. The diary should be completed fully on three consecutive days prior to your test date. If you have an indwelling catheter, you are not required to do this. If you self-catheterize, please record these volumes, in addition to the voided volumes.
- Avoid using powders, creams, lotions or ointments on the day of the test.
- Please arrive with a comfortably full bladder. We recommend drinking some water on the way to your appointment to fill the bladder and please do not empty your bladder prior to your testing.
- Wear comfortable clothing to the test.
- Eat and drink normally, do not skip a meal prior to the test.
- Take all your regularly scheduled medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise. No pain medication is necessary for this testing.
- Please take your antibiotic pill one hour before testing. You will be given separate instructions if you have to take more than one pill. If you do not receive an antibiotic pill, please let us know, and we will make arrangements for you to get this from your regular pharmacy, or we will provide the antibiotic on the day of testing.
- Following the test, you should be able to drive yourself home or to work and continue your day normally.
If you have an indwelling catheter, self-catheterize, have a spinal cord injury or history of bladder infections, you will need to get a urine culture 10-14 days prior to testing. We cannot perform the test if you have a bladder infection. We will arrange this appointment for you.