How to Take a Urodynamics Bladder Test

After a woman gives birth or as she ages, she may experience an inability to hold her urine when her bladder becomes even slightly full. Incontinence occurs when the bladder releases urine during regular daily activities. Your doctor may order a urodynamics bladder test to determine the cause if other tests are inconclusive. Read on to understand what to expect and how to prepare for the test.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Arrive for your urodynamics bladder test after a good meal. You do not need to fast for this test but you may be required to come with a full bladder. If this is a problem, tell your doctor ahead of time. He may request that you empty your bladder but drink liquids before entering the testing center.
2. Prepare to urinate in front of a nurse who will time the length of your urinary stream, note the volume of urine produced and record your ability or inability to stop the urine flow in midstream. Relax and realize that a urology nurse is accustomed to monitoring this type of test on a daily basis.
3. Submit to catheterization after the initial urinary test. The nurse will fill your bladder with warm water and constantly record your level of comfort and your urge to urinate. In addition, your doctor may request a rectum probe for the purpose of recording pressure in that region.
4. Cough when directed to do so by the testing nurse, to determine your bladder’s pressure limitations. A small manometer on the end of the catheter will record your bladder’s pressure limit. Understand that you will urinate during this test in order to assess your bladder’s current pressure point at which leakage will occur.
5. Drink plenty of water following the test to alleviate any discomfort caused by the catheterization. You may also receive a short-term antibiotic to prevent a urinary tract infection.