Michigan Medicine Department of Urology
Your Upcoming Appointment

Understanding Your Urodynamics Study

Everything you need to know about your upcoming test — what it is, what to expect, and how to prepare. You've got this. This page tells you about your bladder test. It will help you know what will happen and how to get ready.

Safe & routine
30–45 minutes
Expert team
Drive yourself home
Understanding Your Test

What Is a Urodynamics Study?

A straightforward test that helps your doctor understand how your bladder and urinary system are working — so they can find the best treatment plan for you. A simple test that shows your doctor how your bladder works. This helps them find the best way to help you feel better.

What It Measures

How well your bladder stores and releases urine — including bladder pressure, urine flow, and how your muscles work together.How your bladder holds and lets go of urine. It checks if your bladder muscles are working well.

Why Your Doctor Ordered It

Your provider needs information that other tests can't provide. This gives precise answers about what's causing your symptoms.Other tests can't give your doctor the answers they need. This test will show exactly what is going on.

Safe & Well-Tolerated

Most patients describe mild to moderate discomfort. The catheter is very thin, and our team will keep you comfortable throughout.Most people say it feels a little uncomfortable but not painful. A very thin, soft tube is used. Your nurse will help you stay comfortable.

No Anesthesia Needed

This is not a surgery. You'll be awake the entire time and can drive yourself home. Most patients resume normal activities the same day.You will be awake the whole time. You can drive home after. You can go back to your normal day right away.

Step by Step

What to Expect Before, During & After

Not knowing what to expect can be the hardest part. Here's your appointment from start to finish — no surprises.Here is what will happen at your appointment. We want you to know each step so there are no surprises.

Before Your Visit

Arrive & Check In

Check in at the front desk like any other appointment. A nurse brings you to a private room and explains everything. You're welcome to ask any questions.Go to the front desk when you arrive. A nurse will take you to a private room. You can ask questions at any time.

During — First 5 Minutes

Getting Set Up

Small, thin sensors are gently placed to measure what's happening inside your bladder. A numbing gel minimizes any discomfort. The nurse stays with you the entire time.The nurse places very small, thin tubes to take measurements. Numbing gel is used so it doesn't hurt. Your nurse stays with you.

During — 20 to 30 Minutes

The Study Itself

Your bladder is slowly filled with sterile water while sensors record measurements. You'll be asked simple questions like "Do you feel the urge to go?" These readings guide your treatment.Clean water slowly fills your bladder while the machine takes measurements. The nurse will ask you simple questions like "Do you need to go to the bathroom?" This helps your doctor plan your treatment.

After — Same Day

All Done — Head Home

Sensors are removed in seconds, and you can leave. No recovery time. Mild tingling when urinating for a day or two is normal and goes away quickly. Drinking extra water helps.The tubes are taken out in just a few seconds. You can go home right away. You might feel a little tingling when you go to the bathroom for a day or two. This is normal. Drink extra water to help.

Your Health Matters

Why This Test Matters for Your Care

We understand it can be tempting to put off an unfamiliar test. Here's why keeping this appointment is so important.We know it can be hard to go to a new kind of test. Here is why this appointment is very important for you.

This Test Unlocks Your Treatment Plan

Without these results, your doctor cannot move forward with the treatment you need. Canceling or missing this appointment means your symptoms continue — and the answers you need are delayed. This single test can be the turning point toward feeling better.Your doctor needs these results to help you. If you miss this test, your doctor cannot start your treatment. This test can help you start feeling better.

1

Answers Only This Test Provides

Measurements no other exam or imaging can offer. The gold standard for understanding bladder function.No other test can give your doctor this information.

2

Faster Path to Relief

The sooner we have results, the sooner your doctor can recommend the right treatment for you.Getting results sooner means your doctor can help you sooner.

3

A Short Commitment

About 30–45 minutes today can prevent months of ongoing symptoms and extra follow-up visits.Less than one hour of your time can save you months of problems.

A note about what comes next: Some patients worry not just about the test itself, but about what the results might show. That's completely understandable. Whatever the results reveal, knowing is always better than not knowing — and your care team will be with you every step of what comes next.

After Your Results

Your urologist will review your study results — typically within one to two weeks — and discuss them with you at a follow-up appointment. Together, you'll create a treatment plan tailored to what the test found. This is the step where real progress begins.

Be Ready

How to Prepare for Your Appointment

A little preparation goes a long way. Follow these simple steps to make your visit smooth and comfortable.Here are easy steps to get ready for your visit.

Do

  • Arrive with a comfortably full bladder
  • Bring a list of all current medications
  • Wear comfortable, easy-to-change clothing
  • Bring your insurance card and photo ID
  • Eat and drink normally — no fasting required

Don't

  • Don't empty your bladder right before the appointment
  • Don't stop prescribed medications unless told to
  • Don't worry about "performing" — just answer honestly
  • Don't hesitate to reach out to your care team with any concerns
Special instructions: If you take blood thinners (anticoagulants), please let your care team know in advance — you may receive specific guidance. If you currently have an indwelling catheter, your preparation may differ; your care team will provide separate instructions tailored to you.
Need to reschedule? If you truly cannot make it, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance so another patient can use your time slot. But if you're just feeling nervous — that's completely normal. Reach out to your care team and they'll talk you through it.
Real Experiences

What Patients Say

We asked patients who've had a urodynamics study at Michigan Medicine to share their experience. Here's what they told us.These are words from real patients who had this test. They want to help you feel less worried.

"I was so nervous I almost canceled twice. But the nurse talked me through everything before she even started, and honestly, it was over before I knew it. I wish I hadn't spent two weeks worrying."
R.M.
R.M.
Age 67 · Had test for overactive bladder
"The worst part was the anticipation. The actual test was uncomfortable for maybe a minute when they placed the catheter, but the numbing gel really helped. I drove myself home and went grocery shopping after."
S.K.
S.K.
Age 54 · Had test for urinary incontinence
"I felt embarrassed about the whole thing, but the staff made it so much easier than I expected. They were professional and kind. And the results finally gave my doctor the answers we'd been looking for."
J.T.
J.T.
Age 71 · Had test for neurogenic bladder
"My daughter came with me and waited in the lobby. The whole thing took about 40 minutes. I'm glad I didn't cancel — we finally have a real treatment plan now."
M.C.
M.C.
Age 62 · Had test for frequent urination

Patient names and details have been anonymized. Experiences shared with permission.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the questions we hear most often from patients just like you.

Most patients describe the sensation as mildly uncomfortable — not painful. The catheter is very thin, and we use numbing gel. Many patients say afterward it was much easier than expected. Most people say it is a little uncomfortable but not painful. Numbing gel is used. Many people say it was easier than they thought.
Plan for about 45 minutes to one hour total. The test itself takes 20–30 minutes. You'll be on your way shortly after.
Yes! No sedation or anesthesia is used. You're fully awake the entire time and fine to drive yourself home.
You're not alone in feeling that way. Our team performs these studies every day. The room is private, your comfort and dignity are our top priorities, and your nurse will explain everything before it happens. Many people feel this way. You are not alone. The room is private. Your nurse does this every day and will take good care of you.
Some patients feel mild tingling when urinating for a day or two. Drinking extra water for 24–48 hours afterward is recommended to help flush your system and reduce any risk of urinary tract infection. Serious side effects are very rare. Contact your care team if you have any concerns.
We hear this from patients more often than you'd think — and most of them tell us afterward that they're glad they came. Here's what you gain by keeping this appointment: a clear diagnosis, a real treatment plan, and a path toward feeling better. Rescheduling can take several weeks due to demand, which means more time waiting with your current symptoms. If you're on the fence, that's okay — it means you're thinking about it, and we're glad you're here. Many patients feel like canceling, but almost all are glad they came. This test helps your doctor make a plan to help you feel better. If you cancel, it can take weeks to get a new appointment. If you are nervous, that is okay. We are here to help you.
Your urologist reviews the results, usually within one to two weeks, and will discuss them with you at a follow-up appointment. Together, you'll decide on the best next steps for your treatment plan.
You're in Good Hands

Your Care Team

You've been referred to one of the top urology programs in the nation. Here are the providers who may be part of your urodynamics care.

JS
John T. Stoffel, MD
Professor of Urology · Chief, Division of Neurourology & Pelvic Reconstruction
Stanford University (BS, Biology with Distinction) · Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine (MD)
Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital & Lahey Clinic · Fellowship: University of Michigan
Board Certified: Urology · Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS)
110+ published papers, articles, and book chapters · Textbook editor
Urinary Incontinence Neurogenic Bladder Overactive Bladder Reconstructive Surgery Urodynamics
QC
J. Quentin Clemens, MD, FACS, MSCI
Edward J. McGuire Professor of Urology · Associate Chair for Research · Director, FPMRS Fellowship
Goshen College (BA, Natural Science) · Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (MD)
Residency: Northwestern University · Fellowship: University of Michigan
Board Certified: Urology · Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS)
200+ peer-reviewed manuscripts and book chapters · Continuous NIH funding since 2001
Interstitial Cystitis Urodynamics Lower Urinary Tract Reconstruction Neurogenic Bladder Female Incontinence
AC
Anne Pelletier Cameron, MD, FRCSC
James Montie Legacy Professor of Urology · Vice Chair of Academic Affairs · Service Chief · Director, CURE
University of New Brunswick (BS) · University of Ottawa (MD)
Residency: Dalhousie University · Fellowship: University of Michigan (FPMRS)
Board Certified: Urology · Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS)
NIDDK-funded researcher · Past President, Society of Women in Urology · Paul Zimskind Research Award (2018)
Complex Incontinence Neurogenic Bladder Neuromodulation Female Urethral Disease Urodynamics
GI
Giulia M. Ippolito, MD, MS
Assistant Professor of Urology · NIDDK-funded K-12 Scholar
University of Texas at Dallas (BS) · Texas A&M University (MD) · University of Michigan (MS, Health & Healthcare Research)
Residency: University of Minnesota · Fellowship: University of Michigan (FPMRS)
Board Certified: Urology
Published researcher in shared decision-making & overactive bladder · UroEPI Career Development Program
Urinary Incontinence Pelvic Organ Prolapse Neurogenic Bladder Urodynamics Lower Urinary Tract Reconstruction
Your care team may also include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and registered nurses who specialize in urodynamics. Every member of our team performs these studies regularly and is dedicated to your comfort and dignity throughout your visit.