Does urodynamic testing treat stress urinary incontinence?

Stress urinary incontinence is leakage when pressure rises in the abdomen, such as with coughing, sneezing, lifting or exercise. Urodynamic testing can measure bladder pressure, urine flow, storage and the response of the outlet during filling and emptying. It is a set of measurements, not a procedure intended to stop leakage.

Many people can be assessed from their symptoms and examination. Testing may be considered when the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms are mixed, previous treatment has not helped, or an operation is being discussed. Your clinician will explain what information is relevant to your situation.

Discuss pelvic floor muscle training, bladder habits, continence products and other measures with a clinician. If leakage continues, treatment choices depend on its severity, your health, previous procedures and plans for pregnancy. A test result may support a decision, but it does not replace a conversation about benefits, drawbacks and alternatives.

Follow the testing instructions and report urinary infection symptoms, pregnancy or difficulty emptying your bladder before the appointment.

Arrange prompt medical review for blood in the urine, fever, painful urination, sudden inability to pass urine or rapidly worsening leakage. Seek urgent help for severe pain or feeling very unwell alongside urinary symptoms.

Ask whether your symptoms already identify stress leakage, what the test could add, how it is performed and how results affect the proposed plan. Ask which non-surgical options can be tried first and when follow-up is needed.