Urodynamics Testing: Minimally Invasive Testing for the Cause of Urinary Problems in Men and Women

by Alex Shteynshlyuger MD


If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4151

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a board-certified urologist in NYC who specializes in treating men and women with urinary problems including frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, urinary urgency and incontinence.

Urodynamics studies are performed in our offices by appointment.


What Medical Problems are Diagnosed by Urodynamics?

Urodynamics Testing benefitsUrodynamic tests are often ordered for men who have an enlarged prostate gland when initial treatment does not help.

For women, urodynamics is done to identify the cause of unexplained incontinence (involuntary release of urine) that is not resolved after initial treatments. 

Urodynamic studies are also performed in people with spinal injuries (neurogenic bladder) to evaluate and monitor the function of the bladder and sphincter.

If the urodynamic study reveals small bladder capacity, detrusor overactivity, and high voiding pressures, this can explain such symptoms as frequent urination, urgency, and incontinence. A uroflow test done as part of a urodynamic study can help quantify the severity of the urinary problem. Cystometry is performed to test the strength of the bladder muscles and confirm the presence of stress incontinence with coughing.

What Do Abnormal Urodynamic Study Results Mean?

  • Incomplete bladder emptying:  An abnormal amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urination
  • Hypersensitivity:  The urge to urinate occurring with less urine in the bladder than what is considered normal
  • Small bladder capacity:  Inability to store an adequate amount of urine between voids.
  • Urinary Incontinence: The inability to retain urine in the bladder even when it contains a small volume of urine

Some of the problems diagnosed by the different urodynamic studies are:

  • Uroflow: Abnormal results indicate weak bladder muscles or a blockage in the urinary tract.
  • Post-Void Residual: Abnormal results indicate incomplete bladder emptying.
  • Cystometry: Abnormal results indicate stress incontinence, involuntary bladder contractions, or obstruction from an enlarged prostate gland.
  • Leak Point Pressure Measurement: Abnormal results indicate reasons for leakage, for example, a weak sphincter.
  • Pressure Flow Study: Abnormal results indicate blockages at the bladder outlet, for example, due to an enlarged prostate in men.
  • Electromyography: Abnormal results indicate problems with muscle and nerve activity.
  • Cystography: Abnormal results indicate variations in the size and shape of the bladder or any blockages in the urinary tract.

If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4151