Urodynamics

There are several different reasons for women to have urine loss or the inability to hold urine within the bladder. There are also many reasons the bladder may not function normally to store and empty urine. Urodynamics refer to specific tests to evaluate urinary incontinence and bladder function. This is usually performed in the office setting and is well tolerated.

With urodynamic studies, small catheters are placed in the vagina, the bladder and sometimes the rectum. The bladder is slowly filled with saline and the pressure within the bladder and urethra, is be measured. If urinary incontinence occurs during the procedure, the specific reason for the loss of urine can be identified.

Urodynamics are often performed prior to a planned surgical correction of urinary incontinence to assure that the right type of incontinence will be treated. Part of the testing can include measurement of the strength and function of the muscle of the bladder.