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What to Expect During Your Visit
Diagnosis / Assessment
The following items will be covered during your medical examination:
- Medical History: A detailed analysis of
your bladder symptoms as well as a complete review of your past and
current medical conditions, past surgical history.
- A Physical Examination: This will usually
include an examination of the abdominal and pelvic regions. For men,
this will include examination of the genitalia and a digital rectal
examination of the prostate. For women with stress incontinence, the
pelvic examination sometimes includes catheterization of the bladder,
filling of the bladder with sterile saline and observing for leakage
with coughing and/or straining.
- Blood Tests: When appropriate, blood
tests may be performed to assess kidney function and to screen for
prostate cancer (PSA testing).
- Urinalysis: A urine specimen will be
tested and examined for signs of blood or infection.
- Bladder scan (post void residual): Some
patients with bladder symptoms do not empty the bladder completely.
The bladder scanner is a non-invasive ultrasound device that can actually
measure the volume of urine remaining in the bladder.
- Bladder Diary: A detailed recording of
fluid intake and voided volumes over several days often provides important
clues to the origin of bladder symptoms.
- Cystoscopy: A minimally invasive endoscopic
evaluation of the urethra and bladder. It is performed using local
anesthesia.
- Radiologic imaging is important in the
evaluation of some kinds of problems and may include:
- Ultrasound of the kidneys
- CT Scan of the urinary tract
- MRI of the pelvis
- Urodynamic Testing evaluates
bladder function. This test measures the pressures inside the bladder
and the activity of the muscles around the bladder during bladder
filling and during urination. It helps to identify specific functional
problems such as an inability to hold urine, sphincter weakness that
results in urine loss or obstruction that prevents complete emptying
of the bladder.
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