Your doctor would like for you to have a Urodynamics study. This study is done to see how the body stores and releases urine. Urodynamics studies help your doctor see how well your bladder and muscles work and can help explain symptoms such as:

• incontinence (inability to hold your urine)
• frequent urination
• sudden, strong urges to urinate
• problems starting a urine stream
• painful urination
• problems emptying your bladder completely
• recurrent urinary tract infections

Preparing for the study
One week before your Urodynamics study appointment, you must go to the lab to give a urine sample. The lab will test your urine to make sure that you do not have a bladder infection. The urine test must be done 5 to 7 days before your Urodynamics test. If you do not have the test done, or if you have a bladder infection, your Urodynamics study will have to be rescheduled for another time.

On the day of the study, we ask that you arrive with a full bladder. You should drink a normal amount of water before your appointment (avoid things like coffee or soda as they can irritate the bladder). Please do not use the restroom in the 2-3 hourr before your appointment. You will be given instruction to empty your bladder at the start of the Urodynamics study and special readings will be done at that time. If you do not arrive with a full bladder, the results may be inaccurate.

Taking the test
During the Urodynamics study, a catheter will be placed into your urethra so that we can evaluate your bladder. Another catheter will be inserted either vaginally or rectally to read abdominal pressure. We try to insert the catheter vaginally for most patients, but in certain situations a rectal catheter will be required.

Your bladder will be filled with sterile solution and then several pressure readings will be taken. These pressure readings will help identify what is causing your urinary symptoms. The actual test itself takes about twenty minutes, but you should plan to be at the office for at least 30-45 minutes.

After the test
You may have mild discomfort and irritation for a few hours after the test. Drink two full glasses of water each hour for two hours following the test. Continue to drink water throughout the day. You may also hold a warm, damp washcloth over the opening of your urethra to help relieve discomfort.

Your test results
The technician performing your Urodynamics study will not have the results for you immediately following the test. She will give all the information she has collected during your test to your doctor who will discuss the results of the test with you. The technician will make sure you have a follow up appointment scheduled with your doctor before you leave the office.

Any questions?
If you have any questions about your Urodynamics study before your appointment, please call our office. Our staff will send a message to one of the technicians who peform Urodynamics studies and she will gladly assist you with your questions or concerns.