First Visit

Please arrive at the office with a full bladder. While sitting on a special chair that is attached to our urodynamic computer, you will be asked to empty your bladder in privacy. This will give a printout of your urine flow pattern and assist with making a diagnosis. After this you will discuss your history with Dr. Owens. Please bring the forms mailed to you or complete the forms provided online filled out with specific information regarding medications and dosages, previous surgeries, allergies, and other medical problems. A vaginal exam, similar to what you have at your gynecologist’s office, will be conducted. This exam is important to identify structural problems with the vaginal wall, urethra, bladder, and uterus. Each phase of the examination procedure will be explained. Please do not hesitate to ask questions.

If needed, a second visit will be scheduled for urodynamic testing. Urodynamic testing is a set of diagnostic procedures designed to evaluate lower urinary tract and pelvic floor function. The lower urinary tract includes the bladder and urethra and works in concert with your pelvic floor muscles. The bladder and urethra operate as a single unit, but have different functions. To store urine, the bladder relaxes while the urethra and pelvic floor muscles contract to help hold the urine in the bladder. To empty urine, the bladder contracts and the urethra and pelvic floor muscles relax. You will need to arrive at the office with a full bladder for a repeat urine flow pattern. A small catheter will be introduced into your bladder to obtain a measurement of the urine left in your bladder after you have emptied. Next, very small catheters will be placed into the bladder and vagina. These catheters are attached to the urodynamic computer, and give information regarding bladder volumes, pressures, etc. As your bladder is being filled with sterile water, you will be asked to identify the first sensation in your bladder, the point you would normally go to the bathroom, and the maximum amount you can hold in your bladder. The filling of your bladder will stop at various intervals to have you cough and bear down to stimulate conditions that would cause you to leak urine during a normal day. After this is completed, you will be asked to empty your bladder in privacy.

After the procedure is completed, Dr. Owens will discuss the results with you and formulate a plan of care that meets your needs. Please notify the office before your appointment if you are currently being treated for a bladder infection, or have any other infections diagnosed in the vaginal or urinary tract area.

Please do not hesitate to call the office at 513-942-7640 with any questions.