Urogynaecology
Bladder investigations
3-day bladder diary
A 3 day bladder diary is very helpful in understanding your bladder function and distinguish between stress incontinence and overactive bladder. This also gives us an insight into your fluid intake and voiding habits.
Please complete this diary if you have bothersome bladder symptoms at your initial appointment. Sometimes you are asked to repeat this after treatment so that we can reassess your symptoms and treatment options.
Urodynamics
If the cause of your urinary incontinence is not clear from clinical assessment then urodynamics will usually be recommended. Urodynamic testing is a 30 minute procedure that evaluates the ability of the bladder to fill and empty and provides a diagnosis of the underlying cause of the urinary incontinence. It can be very helpful in sorting out which parts of the bladder and urethra are functioning correctly, and which parts are not.
The test involves the placement of a very small tube in the bladder, and another small tube in the vagina or the rectum. Sterile fluid is then used to fill the bladder to determine how the bladder behaves as it is fills up and how well it empties. The results of urodynamic testing help Dr Gopinath advise the best treatment for the patient. These tests are done as a day procedure in the outpatient setting. Dr Gopinath will give you further information regarding how to prepare for your test, if this is scheduled.
Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy (looking inside the bladder with a medical telescope) is often performed with urodynamics.
Pelvic floor ultrasound
Translabial pelvic floor ultrasound (scan of the pelvic floor by placing scan probe over the labia) is sometimes performed with urodynamics, especially if you have had previous surgery for stress urinary incontinence.
Other websites which may be useful to you
https://www.yourpelvicfloor.org/leaflets/