Women's Health Services | Urodynamic Evaluation

You have been scheduled for a urodynamic evaluation.

Urodynamics are tests done to analyze your individual bladder functioning. This is not a “pass-fail” or numerically graded examination. It will aid us in understanding the nature of your bladder problem, which is important for choosing the proper treatment program for you.

BladderThe bladder has two principle functions:

  1. To store urine
  2. To empty urine

The main structures involved in these functions are the:

  1. The bladder
  2. Urethra (tube which drains urine to the outside)
  3. Sphincter muscle (valve at the opening of the bladder)

Problems with urination can be due to several things:

  1. Improper function of muscles in the bladder, the sphincter or other nearby muscles.
  2. Obstruction or blockage of the urethra. (example “dropped bladder” or vaginal prolapse.
  3. Side effects of medications.
  4. Poor function within the nervous system caused by stroke, tumors, multiple sclerosis, back injuries, diabetes, polio or sometimes birth defects.

In the Urodynamics Laboratory we will evaluate the function of your bladder, urethra and sphincter muscle.

Please give our office at least 48 hours notice, if you need to cancel your appointment. Please call 860.972.4338.

  • Allow 2 hours for the testing and physician consultation.
  • The testing can not be done if you have an untreated urinary tract infection. Please call our office prior to the day of testing, if you suspect a bladder infection.
  • After the procedure you may drive, and resume your normal activities.


  1. Please stop the medication days before your testing.
  2. On the day of testing you may eat, drink and take your other regular medications.
  3. Bring your completed voiding diary.
  4. Arrive with a full bladder.


  • After getting undressed from the waist down, you will empty your bladder while sitting on a special commode.
  • While sitting comfortably in a reclining chair, a small catheter will be placed in your bladder.
  • Your bladder will be slowly filled with sterile water through the catheter.
  • The catheter contains tiny pressure monitors which calculate the pressures in your bladder and sphincter muscles.
  • Another small catheter is placed inside the rectal opening. It measures the pressure in your body when you cough, sneeze or bear down.
  • Neither of these catheters cause any pain. You will have a sensation of fullness as the water fills your bladder.
  • You need not have any fear of soiling or embarrassment. Any leakage that occurs during testing will only be the water that we have placed in your bladder.

Women's Health Services

The Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery is affiliated with University of Connecticut School of Medicine and is actively involved in teaching and research. Residents are graduate physicians training in the specialty of Gynecology. A resident or a medical student may be in attendance during your visit to the Urogynecology office.

Learn more about Hartford Hospital's Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) Fellowship