How effective is urodynamic testing for stress urinary incontinence?

The test records bladder pressure, urine flow and leakage while the bladder fills and empties. Coughing or other pressure changes may be used to assess whether urine escapes with stress. The information can help distinguish stress leakage from urgency-related leakage, poor bladder emptying or a combination of patterns.

Many people can be assessed from their symptoms and examination alone, so testing is usually considered when the diagnosis is unclear, symptoms are complex, or treatment planning needs more detail. See [Urodynamic Testing](/treatments/diagnostics-and-imaging/urodynamic-testing/) for an overview.

Ask whether you should keep a bladder diary, arrive with a particular bladder state, or adjust any medicines. During the test, describe the feeling of urgency accurately and tell the clinician if the sensations differ from your usual leakage. Use the result to discuss pelvic floor care, bladder training or other options.

Contact the testing service if you develop persistent pain, fever, difficulty passing urine, or worsening urinary symptoms afterward. Urgent assessment is needed if you cannot pass urine and your lower abdomen becomes increasingly painful.

Ask whether the test is necessary in your situation, what type of leakage it is assessing, how the findings affect treatment or surgery decisions, and what aftercare symptoms should be reported.