Tests For Bladder Control Problems

One test used by your healthcare provider is what is called a post void residual measurement. This is a measurement of your ability to empty your bladder when urinating. Persons who suffer from overflow incontinence usually have this test done.

The test can be performed in one of two ways. You will first be directed to urinate so that velocity (or speed) and character of urine flow can be observed and analyzed. In men, this is called a “uroflow” test. The same test can be done in women.

1. The first method is tapping the bladder after urination. This is done to see how much urine remains. The tap is done with catheter, which is a thin, soft plastic tube. This tube is inserted into the bladder via the urethra and the urine flows out.

2. The second technique uses an ultrasound device. A picture of the bladder is taken. Using the ultrasound picture, a doctor can determine how much urine is in the bladder after urinating.

Sometimes, a blood test is done to eliminate the possibility of other medical conditions.

Stress incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine occurring during some type of physical activity, such as sneezing, coughing, laughing or exercise. Other causes of stress incontinence include:

Many women with stress incontinence have what is called hypermobility. Hypermobility is related to abnormality in the joints.

For stress incontinence, a cotton swab test may be performed. This test evaluates the urethra for hypermobility. The sterile, lubricated, cotton-tipped swab is inserted in the bladder neck via the urethra. To do this the patient needs to be in a lying position.

To determine how well bladder and sphincter muscles are working, urodynamic tests are administered. These tests measure bladder capacity and how well you can sense urine volume within your bladder. These tests analyze bladder function to determine whether it fills and empties out normally.

If a doctor needs to see the inside of the bladder, a cystocopy is administered. A thin tube is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. This test is commonly administered to patients that have hematuria or blood in the urine.