How long does a urodynamic test take?
The entire urodynamic test usually takes about 30 minutes. If the entire series of tests need to be performed, it may take up to one hour or more. The duration may differ among medical centers or hospitals. In children, the test may take longer—more than an hour.
There are many types of urodynamic tests. Your doctor may recommend you go for any one or two of the tests. They will decide the type of urodynamic test you should have based on your medical history, physical exam and symptoms.
How do I prepare for a urodynamic test?
Most of these tests do not require the patient take any special precautions, such as fasting before the test. However, the doctor may instruct the patient to discontinue certain medicines for a few tests. The patient will usually be asked to consume a lot of water until they feel like peeing.
What is a urodynamic test and how is it done?
A urodynamic test is also known as urodynamic series (UDS) because it is not just one test but a series of tests. The test checks for the efficiency of the bladder, sphincters and urethra to hold and release urine and check if there is any leakage. The structures together are known as the lower urinary tract.
Urodynamic tests make use of various equipment and machines to check the different aspects of the urination process. These tests include
Cystometry: This involves inserting a long tube known as a urinary catheter into the urethra and sometimes into the rectum as well. The catheter contains a pressure-measuring device known as a manometer. The patient will be asked to empty the bladder followed by filling the bladder with warm water through the catheter.
Leak point pressure measurement: This test is done during the cystometry test wherein the pressure at the point of leakage is checked. It measures the amount of abdominal pressure required to cause leakage of urine from the bladder/urethra.
Postvoid residual measurement: The doctor inserts the catheter through the urethra up into the bladder to remove and measure the amount of remaining urine.
Electromyography: This test uses electrode patches known as sensors, placed on the skin near the urethra, or a catheter inserted through the urethra. These sensors record the activity of the nerves and muscles.
Uroflowmetry: The patient will be asked to urinate privately into a special toilet or funnel that has a container for collecting the urine and a measuring scale. The scale is connected to a computer that will measure the amount and flow of the urine.
Video urodynamic tests: While the patient empties their bladder and it gets filled with water via a catheter inserted into the urethra, the entire process is recorded on an X-ray or ultrasound machine.
The catheter and the sensors will be removed as soon as the measurements are recorded.
What should I expect after urodynamic tests?
After urodynamic tests, the patient can expect to experience mild discomfort while passing urine. This may last for a few hours. To relieve it, the doctor may advise the patient to
- Drink an eight-ounce glass of water every half-hour for a few hours.
- Take a warm bath.
- Hold a warm, damp washcloth over the urethral opening.
There is also a slight possibility of getting a urinary tract infection whose signs and symptoms are
Do not worry. The doctor will prescribe a short course of antibiotics to fight off the infection. The patient should call the doctor right away if they experience problems such as blood in their urine.
The patient can expect to get results of some of the tests such as cystometry and uroflowmetry immediately after the test. Results of electromyography and video urodynamic tests may take a few days.
SLIDESHOW
Urinary Incontinence in Women: Types, Causes, and Treatments for Bladder Control See SlideshowNIDDK
Top How Long Does a Urodynamic Test Take Related Articles
Blood in Urine
Blood in the urine is termed hematuria. Hematuria, whether it be gross or microscopic, is abnormal and should be further investigated.
Can Urinary Incontinence Be Reversed?
Urinary incontinence can happen to anyone and the severity varies depending on the age, cause, and type of urinary incontinence. Most cases of urinary incontinence can be cured or controlled with appropriate treatment.
Conditions That Can Cause Blood In Your Urine
It can be a shock to see blood in your pee. A number of conditions can cause it. Find out why it happens and what to do about it.
Is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Contagious?
Bacteria such as E. coli or Pseudomonas can cause a urinary tract infection (UTI). The incubation period for a UTI ranges from three to eight days.
Urinary Incontinence in Children
Urinary incontinence in children (enuresis) is twice as common in boys as in girls and may occur during the daytime or nighttime. Nighttime urinary incontinence is also called bedwetting and sleepwetting. The cause of nighttime incontinence in children is unknown. Daytime incontinence in children may be caused by an overactive bladder. Though many children overcome urinary incontinence naturally, it may be necessary to treat incontinence with medications, bladder training and moisture alarms, which wake the child when he or she begins to urinate.
Urinary Incontinence Products for Men
There are many types of urinary incontinence (UI), which is the accidental leakage of urine. These types include stress incontinence, urge incontinence, and overflow incontinence. Urinary incontinence in men may be caused by prostate or nerve problems. Treatment depends upon the type and severity of the UI and the patient's lifestyle.
Urinary Incontinence Quiz
What is urinary incontinence and why do people develop it? Learn all you need to know with this quiz.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra. E. coli, a type of bacteria that lives in the bowel and near the anus, causes most UTIs. UTI symptoms include pain, abdominal pain, mild fever, urinary urgency, and frequency. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics.
Bladder Infections: UTI Causes, Symptoms, Treatments
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI's) can happen to anyone. Learn about symptoms, causes and home remedy treatments for bladder and kidney infections in women, infants, and men.
UTI Symptoms Slideshow
Bladder infections can be painful and often require medical treatment. Get the latest information on urinary tract infections (UTI) . Learn how UTI's are diagnosed in infants, adults, and the elderly.
Urinary Tract Infection Quiz
How would you know if you had urinary tract infection (UTI)? Take the Urinary Tract Infection in Adult Quiz to learn the causes, symptoms, and treatments for infection that can affect your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Urinary Tract Infections in Children
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common in children. Symptoms and signs include fever and abdominal pain. Associated symptoms and signs include flank pain, vomiting, and blood in the urine. Treatment for a UTI involves antibiotic therapy.
Urine and Health
Have you been asked to provide a urinalysis sample? A urinalysis examines the cells and substances in your urine to search for disorders. Does urinalysis detect health problems like dehydration, lupus nephritis, liver problems, kidney stones, kidney infection, and bladder infection? Learn why doctors order urinalysis.
What Foods Are Bad for Urinary Retention?
Urinary retention is a condition in which you cannot empty your bladder completely. While no direct connection exists between diet and urinary retention, certain foods may aggravate urinary retention including acidic and spicy foods, artificial sweetener and caffeinated foods.
What Is a Urodynamic Test and How Is It Done?
A urodynamic test analyzes the function of the urethra and the bladder. The procedure takes about 30-40 minutes and helps to assess the cause of a patient's symptoms and signs.
Yeast Infection vs. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Candida albicans typically causes vaginal yeast infections. Bacterial infections typically cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). Thick white cottage-cheese like vaginal discharge characterizes vaginal yeast infections. Painful, frequent urination characterize urinary tract infections. Antifungal medications treat yeast infections while prescription antibiotics treat UTIs.