What to Expect from Urodynamic Testing for Stress Urinary Incontinence

You may be asked about leakage, urgency, medicines and previous bladder problems. A clinician may ask you to arrive with a comfortably full bladder, then record your urine flow. During the study, thin tubes may measure pressure in the bladder and abdomen as the bladder fills with sterile fluid. You might be asked to cough, bear down, report sensations and empty your bladder. The measurements help show whether leakage happens when pressure rises, how strongly the bladder contracts and whether urine remains afterward.

The test does not treat leakage on the day. Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms and examination, because a measurement is only one part of deciding on care.

Follow the clinic's instructions about eating, drinking and medicines. Tell the team if you have urinary symptoms or could be pregnant. Wear clothing that is easy to change and mention any concern about catheter insertion. Afterward, drink fluids as advised and use the toilet when needed. A little stinging when passing urine can occur briefly. Contact the clinic if symptoms trouble you or do not settle.

Seek prompt medical advice for fever, chills, worsening lower abdominal or back pain, inability to pass urine, or blood in the urine that is more than a small trace or continues. These symptoms can signal infection or another problem after instrumentation and should be assessed rather than watched at home.

Ask what each part of the test is designed to clarify, whether you should change any medicine, when results will be discussed, and which treatment options fit your pattern of leakage.