Before Your Procedure

• Please try to arrive with a comfortably full bladder.
• If you arrive and are unable to wait to empty your bladder, please let the receptionist or nurse know before you use the restroom.
• On the day of the testing you may eat normal meals and take your medications. Please check with your doctor about any bladder control medication you are taking, you may need to stop this prior to your testing.
• Before the day of your testing, please let your doctor know if you usually take antibiotics before dental procedures for heart murmurs, heart valve problems, replacement joints or other medical conditions. If this is the case, you may need to take antibiotics prior to the bladder study.
• Become familiar with how to take care of yourself after the procedure.

Urodynamics

Urodynamics are used to evaluate how your bladder and urethra work. They help to determine the cause of your urinary tract problem. The pressures in the bladder and urethra are measured during the study and are used to formulate the best plan for you.

After you have emptied your bladder into the special commode, small catheters will be placed into your bladder and into your vagina (or rectum). These special catheters measure the pressure in your bladder. Your bladder will be filled using the catheter in your bladder and you will be asked to cough and strain at different points during the filling. 

Once your bladder is full, you will be asked to empty your bladder in the special commode again with the catheters in place. Most patients can void easily with the catheters in place since the catheters are so small.

This procedure lasts about an hour.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is using a small telescope-like device, called a cystoscope, to look at the inside of your bladder and urethra.

Your urethra will be cleaned with an antibacterial soap and the cystoscope will be inserted through your urethra into your bladder.

Your bladder is filled with water and viewed carefully. After your doctor has examined your bladder, it is emptied and the cystoscope is removed. A sample of fluid may be sent to the laboratory for examination.

Read more about urogynecology tests