This test is the gold standard for evaluating the function of your bladder, bladder outlet, urethra and prostate.
It is sometimes also called a cystometrogram, or CMG. Similar to a stress test during which a Cardiologist puts you on a treadmill to evaluate your heart health, urodynamics allows us to watch and measure your lower urinary tract in action! It can provide your Urologist with a great deal of information about your bladder health as well as your likelihood of responding well to specific medications or procedures.
When to ask your Urologist about Urodynamics
You should speak with a Urologist about urodynamics as a possible part of your workup if you are have voiding symptoms. This is especially true if it is not clear what is causing your symptoms or you are not getting relief from initial therapies.
Cost
Typically covered by most insurances (although coinsurance and deductibles may apply). Coverage will be verified prior to proceeding. If you do not have insurance, our office will be able to give you an out-of-pocket cost estimate.
Effectiveness
While no exam is perfect, and your Urologist will need to evaluate the results in the setting of your symptoms and overall health, urodynamic studies are the most well-studied and accurate method to evaluate how your bladder holds and empties urine.
Possible Side Effects
For most patients, the test causes minimal discomfort. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during catheter placement. A few patients may experience some slight burning with urination and/or pass a small amount of blood.
Alternative Approaches
Alternatives include to urodynamics may include UroCuff or no evaluation of bladder strength depending on the reason your Urologist is considering the procedure.
What to do to Prepare for your Test
You do not need to do anything to prepare for this test.
What to Expect during your Test
This test is designed to reproduce a full voiding cycle including both filling and emptying of your bladder. A nurse will be with you throughout the procedure. To start, he or she will place small catheters into both your urethra and rectum. These catheters have pressure sensors that will measure how much force your bladder is creating during the various phases of the test. You will also have a small sticker called an electrode placed on your perineum. This tests when your sphincter muscles are squeezing. Once all of this is in place, your bladder will slowly be filled with fluid over the course of about 10 minutes. During this time, your nurse will be asking you questions about what you are feeling such as if you have a feeling that you need to urinate. Your nurse may also ask you to cough or bare down to evaluate if there is any leakage while your bladder is filling. When you feel a strong need to urinate, your nurse will instruct you to urinate into a flow meter that will measure how quickly your urine is being expelled. Sometimes portions of the test are repeated if it is necessary to confirm certain findings. The urodynamics equipment creates a graph for your Urologist to interpret.
What to Expect after your Test
This test is minimally invasive and side effects or complications are rare. You should notify your Urologist if you have blood in your urine, fevers, pain or difficulty with urination
Post-Testing Instructions
You should be scheduled to talk to your Urologist about your results and the next steps in improving your urinary symptoms prior to leaving the office. Please call (717) 393-1771 if you need to confirm your time and location.