Testing for Overactive Bladder

When bladder lifestyle changes, retraining, and medications are not successful In controlling your symptoms, the next step is often additional testing. These tests help us understand why your bladder is not functioning properly. In addition, they are commonly used for patients with OAB who have not responded to treatment or are considering third-line therapies.

Cystoscopy

What is a Cystoscopy?

A cystoscopy is a medical procedure that involves using an instrument called the cystoscope to look at the inside of the bladder, the opening of the ureters, and the urethra to check for abnormalities.

What to Expect for a Cystoscopy?

You may need to empty your bladder before the onset of the procedure. You will then lie down wearing a surgical gown on the treatment table. Anesthesia is then administered. Depending on the anesthesia given, you may be conscious or asleep. You may also be given a sedative for relaxation purposes. A spray or gel will be applied to the urethra to reduce the pain.

The thin flexible scope to be used is lubricated with gel to slowly slide smoothly into the urethra and the bladder is visually inspected. While the cystoscope is being inserted, you may feel some discomfort for a few seconds, but once the camera is inside the bladder this discomfort mostly subsides. The camera is inserted for no more than a few minutes. Your urologist will be monitoring the movement of the scope through a lens. The procedure takes between five to thirty minutes depending on the anesthesia used. After the test, you may receive an antibiotic and bladder analgesic.

provider teaching patient
provider reviewing testing

Urodynamics

What is Urodynamic Testing?

A urodynamic study is a group of tests that allow your doctor to assess the function of your bladder and urethra to see how well you store and release urine.

What to Expect for Testing?

To start the test, you will sit on a urodynamics procedure chair and urinate into a funnel. This will measure the flow rate of your urine stream and see how much you void. The technician will clean the urethral opening in empty your bladder using a catheter to ensure the bladder is completely empty. A small child sized catheter will then be inserted into the urethra. This tube is used to measure the pressure inside your bladder. 

These catheters are secured to your legs with tape. Catheter placement can cause some discomfort. EMG patches are secured to your leg and bottom. The supplies are attached to a device that you will wear around your neck which communicates to the computer. The technician will begin filling your bladder with sterile water and ask you when you feel various sensations like urgency. Will be asked to do some exercises like coughing or bearing down. When You Reach bladder capacity, you'll be asked to urinate and empty your bladder around the small catheters. At the end of the study all supplies will be removed. The test takes approximately 1 hour.

Is a Urodynamics Test Painful?

Most of the procedures involved in a urodynamics test are painless and do not require general anesthesia. A local anesthetic may be used for procedures requiring a catheter.

What to Expect After a Urodynamics Test?

There are typically no major urodynamic testing complications however, some individuals experience mild discomfort while urinating for a few hours after the procedure. Your provider may recommend you take a warm bath or hold a warm compress at the urethra opening to relieve this temporary discomfort. Your provider may also prescribe an antibiotic to take after the procedure to prevent infection