What does urodynamic testing treat?

The test assesses bladder pressure, capacity, sensation, urine flow, and how well the bladder empties. Depending on the symptoms, a clinician may use a flow test, bladder scan, pressure measurements, or a combination. The findings can help distinguish urgency-related leakage from leakage caused by pressure on the bladder, or identify difficulty emptying.

Results may support an assessment of overactive bladder or stress urinary incontinence, but the test is only one part of diagnosis. It can help decide whether bladder training, medicines, pelvic floor therapy, or a procedure should be considered.

Ask how to arrive for the appointment, whether you should keep a bladder diary, and which medicines to continue. During testing, describe urgency, discomfort, leakage, and the sensation of incomplete emptying as accurately as you can. Afterward, drink fluids as advised and follow the instructions given by the clinic.

Your clinician should explain what the measurements mean and how they change the plan. If surgery for stress leakage is being considered, ask why the findings support that option and whether a mid-urethral sling is relevant.

Contact the clinic if you develop fever, increasing pain, burning that does not settle, or difficulty passing urine after the test. Seek urgent care for inability to urinate with severe lower abdominal pain, heavy bleeding, or feeling seriously unwell.

Ask: Which bladder problem are you investigating? What will each part of the test measure? How will the result affect treatment? Are there non-procedure options to try first? What symptoms after testing should be reported?