What Is a Urodynamic Test?

Urodynamic testing, or the bladder function test, is a medical approach used to determine diagnoses related to different urinary issues, including urinary incontinence. The tests are mostly related to the ability of a person’s bladder to retain the fluid (urine) and completely release it during urination without any premature starting or stopping. 

Our urinary tract is a system in the body with the role of draining and removing waste and fluids on a daily basis. When people have issues with their lower urinary tract, i.e., the bladder and the urethra, urodynamics is used to explore the problem further. 

As mentioned, the urodynamic procedure is utilized to give a proper diagnosis to patients suffering from urinary incontinence and a variety of other issues related to the urinary tract. Both genders can be tested via urodynamics. The tests are most generally used to measure the function of the nerves and the muscles, the pressure within the bladder and around it, and to keep track of flow rates and some other factors. 

So, if you are still wondering what a urodynamic test is, it is, simply put, a test used to check whether the bladder and the urethra store and release urine in a proper manner. 

In order to have accurate results from your urodynamic testing, you need to do proper research and choose a facility with adequate credentials and experience. There are different clinics that offer these services, but the quality and accuracy of the results are not always praiseworthy. That said, My OBGYN Specialists is one of the clinics which invest immensely in their staff and equipment, so scheduling a consultation with them might be worth a shot! 

For your doctor to be able to give you a recommendation for a bladder function test, there are certain symptoms you must potentially experience. The symptoms can include:

  • Urine leakage and incontinence
  • Unexpected urges to urinate
  • Frequent urination 
  • Painful sensations during urination 
  • Urinary tract infections 
  • Issues when having to completely empty the bladder or start to urinate

Types of Urodynamic Tests

Focused Young Male Doctor Pointing at Digital Computer Tablet Screen

There are different kinds of tests when it comes to urodynamics, depending on what are the exact issues the patient is experiencing. These tests encompass:

  • Cystometry, in combination with the measurement of pressure on the leak point and pressure flow study, is a test where catheters are used to measure the pressure within the bladder. This test tells you the amount of fluid your bladder can hold and for how long, how elastic it is, the state of the detrusor muscle, and the like. 

Additionally, during cystometry, an instrument called a manometer measures the pressure on the point of leakage and the flow rate during urination. When it comes to men, this test can also show if they have an enlarged prostate, which affects their ability to urinate without problems.

  • Electromyography is used when the medical professional suspects that your urinary issues are related to damage to the nerves and muscles. During this test, sensors measure the electrical activity of muscles and nerves within and around the bladder. The test patches are placed in the vicinity of the urethra and rectum to record pelvic floor contractions. 
  • Uroflowmetry is a urodynamic test that measures the speed of urination and the amount of urine that is released. The patient empties their bladder in special equipment, which calculates the flow rate and the amounts, creating a graph. 
  • Measurement of the postvoid residual test is used to measure the urine left in the bladder after urination. The urine still present in the bladder is named postvoid residual and is measured with ultrasound, creating an image of the bladder. The excess urine is removed with a catheter placed in the urethra and the bladder.
  • Video urodynamic tests are a combination of a few previously mentioned approaches (cystometry, uroflowmetry, and X-ray cystography). The equipment used is digitalized, and it can measure pressure in the bladder and rectum and the urine flow with X-rays. 

Preparation for Testing 

The urodynamic procedure does not require special preparation; the only pre-requisite the doctor might ask is for you to drink fluids and not urinate before coming to the test.

Aftermath 

After a bladder function test, there is a possibility that you might feel slight discomfort and pain during urination. This should not last more than a couple of hours. Do not be scared if you experience a bloody residue due to the use of a catheter. 

It is recommended to drink two glasses of water every hour after the testing and take a long, hot bath. Also, using a warm washcloth can help ease discomfort when it comes to the urethra. Taking over-the-counter pain medication may also be recommended if you feel more intense pain.

If you are prone to infections, you can consult your medical provider and start antibiotic therapy for prevention. Be aware that you are supposed to experience only mild symptoms, if any, after urodynamic testing, and everything else needs to be shared with your medical provider. In case any other symptoms such as chills, immense pains, or fever occur, this is a sign to contact your doctor as soon as possible and schedule a check-up. 

Test Results

Male General Practitioner Holding Paper, Reading Medical Report, Sitting at Desk in His Office at Clinic

The speed of getting test results depends on your test type. In the cases of cystometry and uroflowmetry, the results are given immediately after the testing procedure. When it comes to the electromyogram and video urodynamic tests, you have to wait for the results for a few days. After the results come in, your chosen doctor will discuss them with you and decide what the logical next steps would be. 

Potential Urodynamic Testing Risks

Generally, this type of testing does not include any major risks or complications. The only issue patients can experience after being tested is the risk of developing a bladder infection or a UTI (urinary tract infection). This occurs in cases when a catheter is used to perform the test. Paying additional attention to preventing the UTI from occurring can be one of the mitigation tactics, as well as the usage of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor.  

Consult Us!

Having a healthy urinary tract can feel like a mission impossible for those suffering from different bladder issues. Urodynamic tests were created and are currently used worldwide to help find a proper treatment plan and improve your quality of life. In our clinic, it is possible to get tested in different ways, and our staff offers guidance and support throughout the whole process. 

Give your bladder a chance, and schedule a test to find out what exactly the issue is and how to approach the treatment plan. Our team is here for you, so don’t hesitate to call us!