Urodynamic Testing can Help Identify Types of Incontinence
People of all ages suffer an immense toll when faced with urinary incontinence. The condition tends to be especially problematic for post-menopausal women as well as those who take certain medications. Whatever the cause, whatever the type, urinary incontinence can be disruptive to daily living. Worried about an embarrassing accident, a person may avoid going out unless absolutely necessary. Because urinary incontinence is not often talked about and may be very embarrassing, many patients simply live with their condition. At UT Urology, solutions can be found in a compassionate environment.
In order to understand the potential treatments that may be recommended, it is beneficial to know how the bladder functions. For most patients with overactive bladder (OAB), questions about bladder function are answered simply by obtaining you medical history and performing a physical exam. However, if a small percentage of patients who may have a more complicated problem or who don’t seem to improve with therapy, urodynamic testing may be appropriate.
Some of the situations in which urodynamic testing may be recommended include:
- Frequent urination
- Accidental urine leakage, or literal incontinence
- Urge incontinence or the strong, sudden urge to urinate
- Painful urination
- Difficulty provoking urination
- Incomplete urination
- Chronic bladder infections
Our team offers the full-spectrum care you need with a great deal of compassion. We understand that urinary incontinence can be a confusing, difficult condition, and we perform diagnostic testing that will allow us to reach an accurate diagnosis in your case.
Urodynamic testing is not a singular diagnostic assessment. It includes precise analysis based on the suspected type of incontinence and the specifics of the individual case. One form of testing may measure residual urine in the bladder after urination using a catheter. Another may slowly fill the bladder with water to measure how much it can hold. Each assessment gathers necessary data that will be used to formulate the most appropriate treatment plan.
There are various types of incontinence, and we can identify which is present and, most importantly, how to treat the problem so you can continue a full, quality life. Don’t live with urinary incontinence. Call UT Urology at (423) 778-8765.
