What to expect at an office visit
- History
- Spinal or neurologic disease
- History of BPH
- Physical Exam
- Neurologic exam
- Urinalysis
- Postvoid Residual
- Urodynamics, Cystoscopy
What else can be needed for the diagnosis?
Imaging (x-rays) is rarely necessary. It is indicated if a kidney evaluation is needed, however a kidney ultrasound study may be just as good as an x-ray, without the getting radiation. The doctor may request a MRI of the spine if a neurological problem is suspected. A urodynamic test is indicated when the cause of the incontinenece is not entirely clear, to confirm or rule out a a diagnosis.
Urodynamics
What is Urodynamics?
This is a study of the Urinary Bladder. It involves a series of tests that measure the function and pressure in the bladder as well as the flow of urine through the urethra (passage through which urine is passed out of the body). It provides extremely important information on how much urine the bladder can hold, if there is a blockage, if the bladder is overactive, and bladder strength.
Who may need the Test?
Doctors may recommend Urodynamic testing for patients with Urinary Incontinence (leakage or loss of control of urine) or difficulty passing urine—frequency, urgency, incomplete bladder emptying, night time urinating, etc.
It also can also differentiate between the need for medical or surgical treatment.
The procedure and what to expect
Upon arrival you will be asked to empty your bladder into a commode that will measure how fast your urinating.
Next, while lying on a table, a small, flexible, lubricated catheter will be placed into the bladder through the urethra. Anesthetic jelly is used. Another small catheter will be placed in the rectum(anus). These 2 catheters will be connected to the computer.
Three small sticky pads will be placed to measure the activity of the valve below the bladder—to see if it is opening and closing appropriately.
Lastly, you will again be asked to sit on a commode and your bladder will be filled with sterile water while the computer monitors function. You may be asked to cough or strain down to see if urine escapes or leaks. This is part of the test. Once you are full or feel like you have to urinate, you will be asked to empty your bladder and then the test is complete.
The test takes 30-45 minutes. At the end of the test, the catheters will be removed and you will be given antibiotics for a few days.
Preparing for the Test
- No need to fast and you can take your usual medications.
- Please come with a full bladder and do not urinate upon arrival.
- Try to empty your bowels before the test.
- If you have a catheter, you do not have to come with a full bladder.
- *** Please notify us if you take antibiotics before going to a dentist or if you have had Hip, Knee Replacements or Heart valve Replacements***
YOU WILL NEED ANTIBIOTICS PRIOR TO THE TEST!
After the test
You will be advised to drink plenty of water for 24 hrs to flush out the bladder. Infection is very rare. If you should experience any symptoms like fever or persistent pain when passing urine, please seek medical attention. (lyrica) You make experience a little discomfort or slight bleeding that should settle within 48 hrs.