Urodynamic Testing
Urodynamics is the study of how the body stores and releases urine. The test measures the function of your bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor muscles. Bladder pressure, urine flow, and muscle movement are assessed as your bladder fills and empties. This test is widely used in adults and children. It provides your doctor with information on how to treat your bladder symptoms.
Before the Test
The test takes place in the Urology Clinic. Expect the test to take 1½ to 2 hours. Arrive at the clinic ready to urinate. The nurse will ask you to empty your bladder once you are called back into the room. If you are on a catheterization program, stay on your schedule. There is no extra prep needed, unless you have been told to do so by your doctor or nurse.
During The Test
You may be asked to urinate in a special toilet to measure the force of your urine flow, the time it takes to pass urine, and the amount of urine in your bladder. Please wait for the nurse to tell you when to empty your bladder for this test.
A small soft tube (catheter) will be placed in your bladder though your urethra. A small pressure sensor may be put just inside your rectum. This will not hurt. You may also have small sticky pads placed next to your rectum to measure the muscles of your pelvic floor.
Once the tubes and pads are in place, they will be connected to a computer. Your bladder will be filled slowly with sterile water. The nurse will ask you questions about the sensations you are feeling as your bladder fills. When you have a strong urge to pass urine, you will be asked to relax and empty your bladder with the catheter in place. Your bladder may be filled a second time to ensure accurate results.
If you have been scheduled for a Video Urodynamic study, we will fill your bladder with x-ray contrast instead of water. The contrast allows your doctor to use x-ray images to see your bladder while filling, straining, coughing, and passing urine.
After the Test
When the test is complete, the catheters and pads are removed. If you were not taking antibiotics before the test, you will be given one antibiotic tablet after the test to prevent infection. You should be able to return to normal activity immediately following this test. Some people may see blood in their urine or have some mild discomfort while urinating for a short time following this test, this is not abnormal.
When to Call the Doctor:
- Temperature greater than 100.4°F by mouth for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart.
- Problems passing urine.
- Large blood clots in your urine.
- Bloody urine you cannot see through.
Phone Numbers
Urology Clinic (608) 263-4757
After hours, holidays and weekends this gives you the paging operator. Ask for the urology doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
If you live out of the area, call 1-800-323-8942.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 02/06/2013
Copyright © 02/06/2013 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#5914
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