During a Urodynamics Study

The study may be done in the doctor's office, a clinic, or a hospital. Depending on which tests are being done, the study may take up to an hour or more. The tests are generally painless, so you don't need sedating medication.

The equipment used for the study varies depending upon the facility and what tests are done.

Tests That May Be Done

Uroflowmetry measures the amount and speed of urine you void from your bladder. You urinate into a funnel attached to a computer that records your urine flow over time. The amount of urine left in your bladder after you void may also be measured immediately after this test.

Cystometry evaluates how much the bladder can hold, how strong the bladder muscle is, and how well the signals work that tell you when your bladder is full. Through a catheter, your bladder is filled with sterile water or saline solution. You're asked to report any sensations you feel and whether they're similar to symptoms you've felt at home. You may be asked to cough, stand and walk, or bear down during this test.

Electromyogram helps evaluate the muscle contractions that control urination. Electrode patches or wires may be placed near the rectum or urethra to make the recording. You may be asked to try to tighten or relax your sphincter muscles during this test.

Pressure flow study measures the pressure and flow of urine out of your bladder. It is often performed after cystometry. You're asked to urinate while a probe in the urethra measures pressures.

Video cystourethrography takes video pictures of urine flow through the urinary tract. It can help identify blockages or other problems. The bladder is filled with an x-ray contrast fluid, then x-ray video pictures are taken as the fluid is urinated out.