How does the urinary tract work?
Your urinary tract removes excess water and waste from your system. It’s made up of the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra.
The bladder is located in your pelvis and is held in place by muscles, organs, and pelvic bones. Coordinated muscle movements control the filling and emptying of your bladder and prevent urine from leaking involuntarily.
When your bladder is full, nerve signals in your brain communicate with your bladder muscles, and your muscles force urine to exit your body through the urethra.
What is urodynamic testing?
Urodynamic testing is used to evaluate how well your bladder, urethra, and sphincters hold and release urine.
Urodynamic testing can help Dr. Esiely measure several pieces of information, including:
- Urine production volume
- Ability to control urine flow midstream
- Length of time to produce a urine stream
There are several kinds of urodynamic tests. Some utilize imaging equipment to capture images or sensors that measure pressure or muscle and nerve activity within the bladder.
A few common urodynamic tests include:
- Uroflowmetry: evaluate urine speed and volume
- Electromyography: determine electrical activity of nerves and muscles in the area
- Cystometry: measures the urine volume your bladder can hold, pressure, and when urges to urinate begin
Your symptoms determine the type of urodynamic testing needed.
When is urodynamic testing necessary?
Dr. Esiely might recommend urodynamic testing for symptoms that include:
- Frequent or painful urination
- Urinary incontinence (leakage)
- Recurring urinary tract infections
- Weak or intermittent urine stream
- Strong urges to urinate that come on suddenly
- Difficulty starting to void or completely emptying the bladder
Besides measuring your bladder function, urodynamic testing can also identify leaks or blockages in your lower urinary tract.
What can I expect during urodynamic testing?
Urodynamic testing typically doesn’t require advance preparation, though it might be necessary to modify your fluid intake or existing prescriptions beforehand. Dr. Esiely might also recommend arriving for your appointment with a full bladder.
Some urodynamic testing is less invasive than others. Depending on which test Dr. Esiely performs, you might experience mild discomfort when urinating after your procedure. Drinking fluids regularly for several hours or taking a warm bath can help relieve your symptoms
Based on the results of your testing, Dr. Esiely might suggest additional urodynamic tests or X-rays.
For more information about urodynamic testing, call Health Wise Women or schedule an appointment online today.
