What is Urodynamics?

Urodynamics is a series of tests that evaluate the function of your bladder.

It assesses how the bladder and urethra are performing their job of storing and releasing urine. The test provides valuable information in the accurate diagnosis of your urinary problems.

Reasons for Having Urodynamic Testing

Urodynamic testing can help explain symptoms of incontinence, frequent urination, or sudden strong urges to urinate. In general, patients are referred for urodynamics following consultation with a Consultant Urologist.

Urodynamics – The Procedure

On arrival to the urology suite, you will be asked to pass urine into a specially designed toilet that will record your urinary flow rate. The urine will also be tested for infection.

The bladder will be scanned using an ultrasound machine, to see whether it has emptied completely.

You will then be positioned comfortably onto a couch and two small tubes will be inserted. One tube will be inserted into the bladder and the other into the rectum (back passage). Your bladder will then be filled with a special saline solution until you feel a strong urge to pass urine. You will be asked to cough at intervals and to tell the nurse when you feel the desire to pass urine. Following this, you will then be asked to empty your bladder into a special designed toilet with catheters still in position.

Following The Procedure

You are advised to drink plenty of fluids for 24-48 hours following the urodynamics test.

If you experience any flu like symptoms, shaking/shivering , high temperature, and/or any burning pain passing urine, you should contact your GP.

Getting Your Results

The results of your test will be sent to your urologist to help determine a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

If you are experiencing urinary problems, make an appointment to see your GP, and ask for a referral for one of our urologists at a UPMC location near you. Urodynamics is available at UPMC Whitfield Hospital.

Learn more about Urology at UPMC Ireland.