What is a bedside urodynamics test for urinary incontinence?

A bedside urodynamics test is performed without using any electronic equipment. A catheter is inserted into your bladder, which is then filled with fluid. The catheter is connected to a large, empty syringe, which is held upright. The bladder is then filled, two ounces at a time, with sterile saline or water. The syringe is carefully monitored.

As the bladder is filling, the doctor will ask you to report what you feel. If you feel an overwhelming urge to urinate, and the doctor notices a sudden rise in the level of fluid in the syringe, you may be suffering from urge incontinence. When the bladder is full, the catheter is removed, and the doctor can then check again for prolapse. The doctor will instruct you (with a full bladder) to cough and to bear down in order to check for any signs of stress incontinence.

Find out more about this book: Mind Over Bladder: I Never Met a Bathroom I Didn't Like!

Buy Book