Urodynamic Studies
This painless test evaluates problems your bladder may have emptying or storing urine.
Why You Need A Urodynamic Study
- You are incontinent (leak urine)
- Your bladder does not empty completely
- You have uncomfortable symptoms, such as the frequent need to urinate
- Your urine stream is intermittent or weak
- You have persistent urinary tract symptoms
Your Lower Urinary Tract
What To Expect During A Urodynamic Study
Urodynamic testing provides valuable data on bladder function. This allows your physician to make the best recommendations for treatment. Please discontinue any bladder medications (i.e. Detrol LA, Ditropan, Urecholine, etc.) four (4) days prior to your test. You will also need to perform a urinalysis and clean catch urine culture at one of our office locations before the urodynamic testing can be done. After you arrive at the WomanCare Center for Bladder Control for your test, the nurse will take a bladder history that requires you to answer a few questions regarding your urinary system. You will be asked to empty your bladder in the rest room. You will then go to the exam room, undress from the waist down and put on a gown. The study usually takes about one hour. If you have your period, please do not schedule.
The nurse will then insert a small catheter through the urethra into the bladder. Through this catheter, your bladder will be filled with a saline solution. A second catheter will be placed in the vagina to provide additional data. You will be asked to report any sensations you feel and whether they are similar to ones you have felt at home. You will also be asked to cough, bear down (“Valsalva”) or stand during the test. The bladder catheter is removed, the test is over and you can get dressed. Remember that urodynamic testing is painless. Also, after the testing has been completed, you will be able to drive home on your own.
How To Schedule An Appointment
Appointments are scheduled by calling (847) 618-0950, our office is located at: NCH Women’s Center 880 W. Central Rd. 3rd Floor Arlington Heights, IL 60005.