What is Urodynamics?
Urodynamic tests are ordered if there is urinary incontinence (leakage of urine), slow or difficultyemptying the or the bladder, or frequent urination. “Uro” means urine or related to the urinary system. “Dynamics” means moving against pressure.
Your healthcare provider has ordered a urodynamics test for you. The test is designed to see how urine fills your bladder and how well the urine moves through the lower urinary system to the outside of your body.
How does the lower urinary system work?
The kidneys produce urine and empty it into your bladder. The bladder is a muscular sac that stores your urine until you are ready to empty it. Bladder emptying happens when the bladder muscle contracts. This contraction is like making a fist with your hand and squeezing.
As the urine leaves the bladder it passes through a sphincter into the urethra tube to the outside of the body (See picture). If you are not ready to empty your bladder, the sphincter muscle tightens like a knot at the bottom of a water-filled balloon. When you decide to empty your bladder, the sphincter will relax and let the urine pass through the urethra to the outside of your body.
The passage of urine only happens correctly if the muscle and nerves are functioning correctly. The urodynamics test helps determine how well your nerves and muscles are functioning.
How do I prepare for the test?
· You will need to arrive at the clinic with a full bladder. Drinking water is recommended.
· Your visit will take 1-2 hours.
· You may eat prior to the test unless otherwise instructed.
· If you are constipated, have diarrhea, are menstruating on the day of the test, have a urinary tract infection (bladder infection), or do not feel well please reschedule the appointment by calling 731- 422-4642.
What will happen during the test?
The nurse will ask you to undress from the waist down. You will sit in a special chair and empty your bladder into a large funnel. Then small tubes, called catheters, will be inserted into your bladder and vagina or rectum. These catheters will be used to fill your bladder with water and measure the movement of the muscles used to empty the bladder. Any discomfort you feel during the insertion of the catheters will go away in a few minutes.
As the nurse fills your bladder with water, you will tell the nurse how your bladder feels. Once your bladder is full, the nurse will let you empty your bladder into the funnel. You will be asked to cough several times during the test to see how well your bladder holds urine inside.
The entire test is recorded in a computer for your healthcare provider to review. We will explain each step of the procedure and answer any questions.
After the Test?
The catheters will be removed when the test is finished. You may have a small amount of discomfort where the bladder catheter was placed. The discomfort will only last a few hours. A warm bath may help ease the discomfort. Drinking lots of fluids, 8-10 glasses each day and water is best.
You may continue your diet, medications, and activities as normal unless given further instructions.
Follow up?
Make a follow-up appointment before leaving the clinic. Your healthcare provider will discuss the test results and make recommendations during the follow-up appointment.
Payment and Insurance
Please bring all insurance information with you when you register so that your benefits will be available as quickly as possible. Urodynamic testing is covered by most insurance. You are responsible for co-insurance and/or deductible as with any office visit or procedure.