A small catheter is inserted into the bladder to check bladder pressures, a small tube is placed into the rectum to check abdominal pressures and the bladder is filled with water. The physician watches on the computer screen as the bladder is filled and the patient is performing maneuvers such as coughing and straining in order to test for leaking, pressures during voiding, bladder function, etc. The test takes approximately 30-45 minutes, depending on the patient’s bladder capacity. Following the test, a separate appointment will be scheduled to discuss the results and create a personalized care plan with your provider. 

You can drive yourself to and from the appointment and should arrive with a full bladder ready to void. After effects may include slight urgency to urinate and burning with urination for a few hours, as well as possible blood in the urine that clears quickly.