Urodynamic Studies

This painless test evaluates problems your bladder may have emptying or storing urine.

​Why You Need A Urodynamic Study

  • ​You are incontinent (leak urine)
  • Your bladder does not empty completely
  • You have uncomfortable symptoms, such as the frequent need to urinate
  • Your urine stream is intermittent or weak
  • You have persistent urinary tract symptoms

Your Lower Urinary Tract

The lower urinary tract has two main functions: storing and emptying urine. The bladder is a muscle-lined organ that collects urine until you are ready to release it. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Pelvic floor muscles support the bladder and urethra to keep them in the proper position. To store urine, the bladder muscle stays relaxed as the urethral muscle (sphincter) contracts. To empty urine, the urethral sphincter and pelvic floor muscles relax while the bladder contracts.

What To Expect During A Urodynamic Study

Urodynamic testing provides valuable data on bladder function. This allows your physician to make the best recommendations for treatment. Please discontinue any bladder medications (i.e. Detrol LA, Ditropan, Urecholine, etc.) four (4) days prior to your test. You will also need to perform a urinalysis and clean catch urine culture at one of our office locations before the urodynamic testing can be done. After you arrive at the WomanCare Center for Bladder Control for your test, the nurse will take a bladder history that requires you to answer a few questions regarding your urinary system. You will be asked to empty your bladder in the rest room. You will then go to the exam room, undress from the waist down and put on a gown. The study usually takes about one hour. If you have your period, please do not schedule.

The nurse will then insert a small catheter through the urethra into the bladder. Through this catheter, your bladder will be filled with a saline solution. A second catheter will be placed in the vagina to provide additional data. You will be asked to report any sensations you feel and whether they are similar to ones you have felt at home. You will also be asked to cough, bear down (“Valsalva”) or stand during the test. The bladder catheter is removed, the test is over and you can get dressed. Remember that urodynamic testing is painless. Also, after the testing has been completed, you will be able to drive home on your own.

How To Schedule An Appointment

Appointments are scheduled by calling (847) 618-0950, our office is located at: NCH Women’s Center 880 W. Central Rd. 3rd Floor Arlington Heights, IL 60005.

If you have any questions, please call a WomanCare office that you visit. Or visit our contact page to leave us a message.
If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.

Customer Reviews

5/5

“I’ve been going to several of the practioners at WomanCare for almost 27 years now. I wouldn’t go to another office.”

Review Us

Leave Us a Review at Your WomanCare Location

5/5

Arlington Heights Office

1051 West Rand Road Suite 101
Arlington Heights, IL 60004

Buffalo Grove Office

15 S. McHenry Rd, 4th Floor,
Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Schaumburg Office

1051 Perimeter Dr, Suite 150,
Schaumburg, IL 60173

Kildeer Office

21481 N Rand Rd, 2nd Floor,
Kildeer, IL 60047