At the Methodist Urodiagnostic Center, we perform a variety of tests to evaluate bladder and urethra problems such as:

• Incontinence
• Recurrent bladder infections
• A slow or weak urinary stream
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Frequent urination
• Neurogenic, or malfunctioning, bladder

Among the procedures we offer are uroflow, cystometrograms, EMG studies, urethral pressure profiles, voiding pressure and abdominal voiding pressure studies, measurement of post-void residual, and valsalva leak point pressure testing.

Uroflow testing measures the speed and amount of urine a patient voids. Patients should not empty their bladders within two hours before having this procedure because they will be asked to urinate. A computer measures their urine flow.

Cystometrograms evaluate how a patient's bladder holds urine. They also measure bladder capacity and pressure and determine how well patients can control their bladder. A catheter is inserted and the patient's bladder is filled with fluid. The patient may be asked to cough, bear down, stand or walk in place, then report any sensations he or she feels.

EMGs measure how well patients control their sphincter muscles and how those muscles are working with the bladder. We place electrodes near the rectum to record muscle activity.

Urethral pressure profiles use a catheter to measure pressure along the length of the female's urethra.

The voiding pressure study measures the amount of pressure the bladder can generate and the subsequent urine flow.

Abdominal voiding pressure testing measures how much a patient strains when going to the bathroom.

Valsalva leak point pressure testing measures urethral sphincter activity.

Preparing for a procedure

Patients may eat or drink before a urodiagnostic test. They should arrive at Methodist Urodiagnostic Center with a relatively full bladder. Unless their physician directs otherwise, they should continue taking medications as scheduled.

Urodiagnostic tests take about an hour. They involve inserting a catheter or special sensor into the urethra and rectum. These tests are generally painless. Patients don't need anesthesia, so they may resume normal activities, including driving, when they leave the center.

Scheduling a test

The Methodist Urodiagnostic Center is part of Same-Day Services at Methodist Medical Center. We accept patients through physician referrals.