Urodynamic Testing/ Bladder Information

Urodynamic Testing: This test examines the bladder and sphincter muscle function. Using state-of-the-art fiber optic instrumentation, It can detect bladder contractions and the bladder's ability to fill and empty. It is also able to test the ability of urethral sphincter to close appropriately.

First a catheter is inserted into the urethra, (that to me was the most uncomfortable part of the whole thing.)  Then fluid is sent into the bladder, and you are told to hold it for as long as possible. I was told to tell the uro/gyn when it was uncomfortable, on a scale of one to ten.. and then when I HAD to go !  You are then allowed to go to the bathroom into a measuring type bowl porto toilet over it!  The fluid is measured to see if you expelled all that were you given.  Tests are done on the machine to measure, and check for retention.. Or if you emptied the whole amount.  The muscles are also tested during this procedure.  Dont be surprised when you walk into the room, they are big machines with lots of tubes and gadgets coming from it!

 To try to put into words the whole procedure... its mostly uncomfortable, but shouldn't be really Painful. As I said the insert and removal of the catheter is the worst part.

It is also  a little embarrassing , but try to think about this just being another part of their day... They test hundreds of people, and its just "old hat" to them.   I was able to wear my shirt and a sheet was given for the bottom half!  .

Below are some links for you to learn more about your bladder,  the urodynamic testing procedure, and the burch procedure..

http://www.universityobgyn.com/incontin.htm#Services

http://www.sghurol.demon.co.uk/urod/index.htm

http://www.urodynamics.com/

http://www.abington-urology.com/index.html

http://www.jreprodmed.com/abs/JRM32.htm

                                                                Written by Carol Olmstead