Urodynamic testing
| Urodynamic testing | |
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Anatomy of the human urogenital system. The top diagram shows the female system, and the bottom shows the male system. |
Urodynamic testing or urodynamics is a study that assesses how the bladder and urethra are performing their job of storing and releasing urine. Urodynamic tests can help explain symptoms such as:
- incontinence[1]
- frequent urination
- sudden, strong urges to urinate but nothing comes out
- problems starting a urine stream
- painful urination
- problems emptying the bladder completely (Vesical tenesmus, detrusor failure)
- recurrent urinary tract infections
Urodynamic tests are usually performed in urology, gynecology, OB/GYN, internal medicine, and primary care offices. Urodynamics will provide the physician with the information necessary to diagnose the cause and nature of a patient's incontinence, thus giving the best treatment options available. Urodynamics is typically conducted by urologists or urogynecologists.
- ^ van Leijsen SA, Kluivers KB, Mol BW, et al. (2009). "Protocol for the value of urodynamics prior to stress incontinence surgery (VUSIS) study: a multicenter randomized controlled trial to assess the cost effectiveness of urodynamics in women with symptoms of stress urinary incontinence in whom surgical treatment is considered". BMC Women's Health. 9: 22. doi:10.1186/1472-6874-9-22. PMC 2722584. PMID 19622153.