Ambulatory urodynamics test (women)

About an ambulatory urodynamics test

A urodynamics test looks at the way your bladder is working. It helps us to investigate the cause of your urinary symptoms.

Ambulatory means ‘while moving’. This test uses a portable device to record what your bladder does while you carry out your usual activities.

The test usually takes up to 4 hours, but it can vary from person to person.

Why we recommend this test

We recommend this test if we have not been able to diagnose the cause of your urinary symptoms using the standard urodynamic test.

This test gives us more detailed information to help us understand and treat your bladder symptoms.

Preparing for your test

To prepare for your test, do the following.

Medication

If you are taking medication to treat your bladder problems, you must stop taking it 7 days before the test. If you have questions about this, get in touch with us (see Contact information below).

Toileting

You must open your bowels before you have the test. Get in touch with us 2 days before your test if you think you might be constipated.

Periods

If you are having your menstrual period, we will not be able to carry out the test. Get in touch with us if you are having your period, so we can rearrange your appointment.  See Contact information below.

What to wear

• Wear full briefs (pants). Do not wear a thong or string underwear.
• Wear a loose-fitting skirt or trousers/tracksuit bottoms. Do not wear a dress.
• We will need to attach the recorder to your waist-band and you will need to wear the cables under your clothes. You can wear a long shirt, tunic or jacket to help cover the recorder.
• Wear stockings or pop socks. Do not wear tights.

Fluids

We will need you to drink 2 cups of fluid every hour. You can bring your favourite drinks with you, to drink during the test.

During your test

You can expect the following during the test.

• When you arrive, the nurse specialist will explain why you need the test and how it works. They will answer any questions.
• Before the test starts we will test your urine for signs of infection. If there is any chance that you have a urine infection, we will have to reschedule the test until after it has been treated.
• To start the test, we will gently insert one small tube into your urethra (water pipe) and one into your rectum (back passage).
• We will tape the tubes to your thigh and connect them to a recorder that you wear on your waist-band. (You can hide everything under your clothes). When we have done this, you can leave the clinic.
• We will ask that you do things which usually cause your bladder symptoms, and then come back to the clinic to pass urine.
• You will need to remain on site at Kingston Hospital. We ask most patients to return to the clinic after about 1.5 hours.
• When your test is complete, we will gently remove the tubes.

Results

Before you leave to go home, we will explain the test results to you. We will also schedule an appointment with your urogynaecology consultant.

Side effects

You may have some irritation in your urethra (the tube leading to your bladder) during or after the test. This may cause you to pass urine more often than usual. This is temporary.

You can help reduce the chance of irritation by drinking plenty of water for a few days after the test. (Do not drink more than 2 litres during a single 24-hour period.)

There is risk that you may get a urine infection after your test, but this is rare.

When to seek medical help

Contact your GP or call 111 if you notice any of the following:

• you are passing more urine (weeing) more often than usual
• you experience stinging or discomfort when weeing
• you have a high temperature.

This may mean you have a bladder infection that needs to be tested and treated with antibiotics.

More information

Bladder Health UK

Continence Foundation

International Urogynaecology Association on pelvic floor exercises