What is urodynamic testing?

Urodynamic testing is used to assess lower urinary tract function. If you are having urinary problems, urodynamics is a way to reproduce and document your symptoms here in our laboratory.

How is it performed?

Urodynamics involves passing a catheter into your bladder. This is a simple procedure with minimal discomfort. You will experience a mild pressure sensation from placement of the catheter. A small catheter is also passed into the rectum or vagina. The purpose of this catheter is for measuring pressures and it should not cause any discomfort. Once the catheters are in place, your bladder will be filled to its capacity. When the test is complete, the catheters will be removed.

You can expect the test to take approximately one (1) hour.

Preparing for your study:

1) Please fill out the 3-day fluid diary that is enclosed. Simply follow the instructions on the sheet and bring it with you to your appointment.

2) As the first part of the test, you will be asked to urinate, unless you have an indwelling catheter, or do not void and self-cath. Please come prepared to give a urine specimen (with a full bladder).

3) There are no dietary restrictions for this test. Please eat and drink normally unless otherwise directed for other testing or lab work that you may have scheduled for the same day.

4) If you take antibiotics prior to dental procedures for various conditions such as MVP or hip or knee replacements, please follow your doctors protocol for this test.

Urodynamics is a labor-intensive procedure and only a limited number of patients can be scheduled each day. Generally speaking, all of our time slots are filled weeks in advance. This leaves no spare time between patients. Therefore, it is imperative that you arrive for your appointment on time. If you arrive 15 minutes late, you may have to be rescheduled for another day.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.