Urodynamics Test

What is urodynamics?

• Urodynamics is a series of tests to understand how your bladder behaves.
• A thin tube called a catheter is used to measure the pressure in your bladder and abdomen.

Your urodynamics appointment

Before

1	You have been sent a Bladder Diary with your appointment letter. Fill this in the week before your appointment.
2	You cannot have the test if you have a urinary infection. If you think you might have a urinary infection, contact your GP for a test.
3	If you have a positive test result, please call us on 020 7288 3118 to rearrange your appointment.
4	If you are currently taking any medications (see box), call us on 020 7288 3118 as you may have to stop taking this medication 3 days before your test.
5	Arrive to your appointment with a comfortably full bladder OR arrive early to drink water and fill your bladder at the clinic.

During

6	Your urodynamics appointment will last around 30 - 40 minutes.
7	The clinician will use local anaesthetic on the skin around the entrance to the urethra, this will make the procedure more comfortable. They will then insert a catheter into your urethra and rectum.
8	The clinician will slowly fill your bladder with liquid.
9	You will be asked to stand up and cough.
10	You will then be asked to urinate into a commode to test the flow of urine.
11	The catheters will be removed, the test is over.

After

• It is normal to have mild discomfort when urinating for a few hours after the test.
• 1 in 100 women develop a urinary tract infection (UTI) following a urodynamics test. To prevent this, you should drink lots of fluids after the test.

My Diary

Tips:

• Record every drink you consume and all bladder activity.
• Buying a cheap plastic jug can be helpful for measuring the amount of urine.

Contact our Department

• Telephone number: 020 7288 3118.