​Diagnosing bladder dysfunction

Do you have accidental leakages of urine when you laugh, sneeze, cough or exercise? If so, it can be embarrassing and awkward to talk about. But, it’s time to get your life back and have the pelvic floor specialists at The Christ Hospital Health Network evaluate your symptoms and concerns. Bladder dysfunction is common and treatable.

Leading-edge diagnostic tools

Your gynecologist will talk with you about your signs and symptoms and may ask you to keep a bladder diary. During a pelvic exam, your doctor will look for any structural problems. A "cough test" may be done during the exam to see if you have urine leakage.

Common diagnostic tests to determine cause of bladder dysfunction include:

• Bladder stress test—simulates the accidental release of urine by coughing, sneezing, or lifting

• Cystoscopy—a scope with a tiny camera sees inside the urethra and bladder

• Ultrasound—uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from the inside of your body

• Urinalysis—a urine sample is taken to check for the presence of a disease or condition

• Urine culture—tests for a urinary tract infection
  

• Urodynamics—measures pressure in the bladder and the flow of urine
  

Next Steps

If you have been diagnosed with bladder dysfunction, your doctor will discuss your medical and surgical treatment options.

Think you have bladder dysfunction? Make an appointment with one of our Women's Health Experts.