Urology• Updated 21 October 2026
Urodynamic Tests
Tests that measure how the bladder fills, stores and empties urine.
Results: Same day
Quick Summary
Primary Purpose
To investigate incontinence and difficulty passing urine before treatment such as surgery.
What It Measures
Bladder pressure, capacity and flow.
Preparation
Arrive with a comfortably full bladder; stop some bladder medicines if advised.
Overview
Thin tubes are placed in the bladder and rectum to measure pressure.
The bladder is slowly filled with water.
What It Measures
Bladder pressure
During filling and emptying.
Leakage
With coughing or urgency.
How It's Performed
- 01
Catheters
Thin tubes placed.
- 02
Fill
Bladder filled slowly.
- 03
Empty
You pass urine while pressures are recorded.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Urinary Incontinence | Stress Incontinence | UI(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine