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Our COVID-19 measures remain in place. Feel safe at Sussex Premier Health hospitals. Read our Covid-19 Policy here
A test to help investigate bladder problems
A 15 to 30 minute urodynamic study (a test of your bladder, the muscle around the neck of your bladder and urethra) will help to determine any underlying reasons for urinary problems such as incontinence and difficulty in passing urine.
A urodynamic study is usually only done if other tests are inconclusive or if other treatments have failed.
A referral letter from a consultant or GP is required before booking any diagnostic investigation.
Yes
30 minutes
Yes
A urodynamic study is a comprehensive attempt to find the reason for bladder problems such as incontinence or difficulty passing urine. You’ll probably have already had several other tests and treatments for the condition and the study can help you and your doctors decide on the next steps.
The urodynamic study aims to identify:
You will need a referral letter from a consultant or GP before booking any diagnostic investigation.
You will have a formal consultation with your consultant . During this time you will be able to explain your medical history symptoms and raise any concerns that you might have.
We will also discuss with you whether any further diagnostic tests such as scans or blood tests are needed. Any additional costs will be discussed before further tests are carried out.
Your consultant may also ask you to record how often and when you pass urine in a ‘voiding diary’ for a few days. After this discussion we will confirm whether you can be booked straight in for the test.
Your consultant and our caring nurses will support you throughout this test.
The urodynamic study takes up to 30 minutes and it is highly likely you’ll go home immediately after the test.
During the 15 to 30 minute test your consultant will insert two catheters (small thin tubes) into your urethra (the passage through which urine leaves your body) and a third either into your vagina or your rectum. Before starting they may apply an anaesthetic gel to numb the area.
They’ll pour sterile water and a dye (or contrast) through one of the catheters to check how your bladder responds and when you feel like urinating.
Your consultant may also take X-rays and you’ll be asked to urinate at the end of the test.
You’ll be able to leave hospital straight after the test but the test results might be available immediately to discuss with your consultant. Alternatively you’ll be offered an appointment in the near future during which the results will be explained and together you can agree the treatment that offers the best chance of ending your incontinence or other bladder-related problem.
You may feel mild discomfort, especially when passing urine, for a few hours after the test. You might also have some blood in your urine for a day or so.
Try to drink fluids regularly for 48 hours afterwards to help flush out any possible infection.
You should contact the hospital immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms as you may have developed an infection and could need antibiotics:
If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery you can call and speak to a member of the nursing team at any time, please call 01424 757459.
All of our consultants are experts in their specialist field.
Your procedure will be performed by your consultant surgeon.
Our self-pay team will be able to give you a guide price for the urodynamic study.
To speak to a member of our self pay team today, call 01424 757455.
Speak to a member of our team
01424 757400 
info@sussexpremierhealth.com 
01424 757400