Urodynamics Testing

Urodynamic studies are a group of tests that show how well your bladder, sphincters, and urethra store and release urine.

Many urinary symptoms overlap. And urodynamic testing offers information that regular urine tests can’t provide. Information from these studies helps your urologist understand why you:

• May be leaking urine
• Are having trouble emptying your bladder
• Are experiencing urgency
• Have urinary frequency
• Are dealing with repeated urinary tract infections

The studies give your care team a complete picture of how your lower urinary tract is functioning and help guide a treatment plan.

Urodynamics testing is available in the Charlotte, NC and West Columbia, SC areas.

Testing is performed when symptoms suggest that something is affecting the way your bladder stores or empties urine. Your doctor may recommend testing if you have:

• Urinary leakage
• Difficulty controlling urine
• A bladder that doesn’t empty completely
• A frequent or sudden need to urinate
• A weak urine stream
• Urine flow that stops and starts
• Repeat urinary tract infections
• Symptoms that don’t match your physical exam or initial tests

The bladder is a balloon-shaped organ in the lower abdomen that stores urine made by the kidneys. When the bladder is relaxed, it can fill and expand without discomfort. As it fills, signals travel to the brain, letting you know that you need to urinate. When the bladder is full, and you’re ready to go, the brain signals the bladder muscle to contract.

At the same time, the urethral sphincters, muscles that keep urine from leaking, relax to allow urine to pass through the urethra and out of your body.

If the bladder muscle, sphincter muscles, or nerves don’t work together correctly, urinary symptoms can develop. Urodynamics helps pinpoint where the issue lies.

Your doctor may perform all or several of the following tests during your visit. These tests measure different parts of bladder and sphincter function.

1. Cystometry: Cystometrogram (CMG)

A thin catheter is placed into the bladder to measure pressure as it fills with sterile fluid.

Cystometry measures:

• How much your bladder can hold
• The pressure inside the bladder as it fills
• When you first feel the urge to urinate
• Whether your bladder contracts at the wrong time

This test helps diagnose conditions like:

• Overactive bladder (OAB)
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary retention
• Urinary obstruction
• Neurogenic bladder

2. Electromyography (EMG)

EMG evaluates how the nerves and muscles of the pelvic floor are working. Small sensors placed near the urethra or rectum record the electrical activity of these muscles.

This test is helpful when urinary symptoms may be caused by:

• Nerve issues
• Abnormal pelvic floor movement
• Muscle weakness

3. Urethral Pressure Profile (UPP)

A UPP test measures how well the urethra stays closed during bladder filling. A small catheter with a pressure sensor is slowly moved along the urethra to record the strength of the sphincter and urethral tissues.

This helps diagnose stress incontinence and problems involving sphincter weakness.

4. Uroflowmetry

You will urinate into a special device that records flow rate. Uroflowmetry measures:

• How fast urine flows
• How much urine is passed
• The shape of your urine stream

A slow or irregular stream may suggest a blockage, such as an enlarged prostate in men, or a weak bladder muscle.

5. Voiding Pressure Study or Pressure Flow Study

During this test, you urinate with a small catheter in place. Your urine flows around the catheter, allowing pressure to be monitored while you void.

A pressure flow study measures:

• The pressure in the bladder during urination
• How well the bladder muscle contracts
• Whether urine flow is blocked

This study helps your doctor identify whether symptoms are caused by an obstruction, a weak bladder muscle, or another issue.

It’s normal to experience mild burning or discomfort when urinating for a few hours after urodynamic testing. A small amount of blood in the urine can also occur. Drinking plenty of water can help flush the bladder.

Urodynamic testing provides valuable information that helps guide therapy for:

• Urinary Incontinence
• Overactive bladder
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Recurrent UTIs
• Other urinary concerns

Your urologist will review your results, explain what they mean, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.

1. What should I expect during urodynamic testing?

Most tests are done in a single visit and take 30 to 60 minutes. You may feel mild pressure when the catheters are placed, but the procedures should not be painful.

2. Do I need to do anything to prepare for urodynamics testing?

You may be asked to arrive with a comfortably full bladder, since this can make the exam or imaging clearer and easier to perform. Some people are given a preventive antibiotic beforehand, depending on their health history and the type of test being done. After the procedure, you’ll usually be encouraged to drink extra water. This can help flush your system and reduce any mild irritation you might feel afterward.

3. What happens after I receive my results?

Your doctor will review the findings with you and explain what they reveal about your bladder function. Results show whether medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or procedures can help your symptoms. This is based on how your bladder and sphincters are working.

4. Where can I schedule a consultation?

Consultations are offered in Concord, Denver, Fort Mill, Gastonia, Huntersville, Mint Hill, Mooresville, Pineville, Rock Hill, Shelby, and West Columbia.

5. How do I get started? 

Schedule an appointment online.

Urodynamics Testing are available with all of our providers.