Your physician has scheduled you for a test called "multi-channel URODYNAMICS". This test is actually a series of different measurements of bladder function. It can be used to determine the cause of a variety of bladder conditions.

This test is performed in the office. You will be asked to sit on a special chair for this test. At the beginning of the test, the nurse or doctor will insert a small, flexible plastic catheter tube into the opening of your bladder. Most patients say this is somewhat uncomfortable, but it shouldn't hurt. A second small tube will be inserted into your vagina or rectum. These tubes are very sophisticated, micro-measuring devices. Together with a computer monitor, they give the doctor much useful information about the function of your bladder, your urethra (the tube the urine passes through when you urinate), and the muscles of your pelvis.

During the test, our bladder will be gradually filled with sterile fluid. As the bladder fills, a special monitor will measure the pressure in your bladder. You may be asked to cough or bear down. If you have a bladder control problem, you may leak during this test. You should not be worried or embarrassed if that happens, since one purpose of the test is to determine the cause(s) of leakage problems.

As your bladder is filled, you will be asked to tell the doctor or nurse (a) when you feel full enough that you would interrupt your activities to urinate, and (b) when you feel completely full. After your bladder is completely full, a series of measurements will be made. Finally, the doctor or nurse will ask you to urinate and measurements will be made as you empty your bladder.

This test very rarely causes any complications or problems. Less than 5% of women will develop a bladder infection after this test. Temporary irritation can also occur after the examination, resulting in a feeling of burning with urination. (This usually only lasts a few hours and goes away without any treatment.) If you feel irritated after the procedure is over, your doctor can recommend a medication. Other complications are extremely uncommon.

• Please do NOT apply lotions, powders, or sprays to the pelvic area on the day of your appointment.
  

• Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
  

• Do NOT empty your bladder prior to the test. We would like your bladder "comfortably full" at the beginning of the test.