For Patients · University Urology, PC
Urodynamics Study (UDS)
A test of bladder function used to determine the cause of urgency, frequency, urinary retention, incomplete bladder emptying, urinary incontinence, and some types of pelvic pain.
About the Test
What Urodynamics Involves
UDS is a minimally invasive test requiring the placement of tiny catheters in the bladder and the rectum or vagina to measure pressures during the filling, storage, and emptying phases of the bladder. The test takes approximately 20–30 minutes.
Before Your Test
How to Prepare
Complete your bladder diary starting 48 hours before your test
You will receive a bladder diary with your appointment instructions. Begin completing it 48 hours before your test and bring the completed diary with you to your appointment. Patients with an indwelling catheter do not need to complete the diary.
Arrive with a comfortably full bladder
Please arrive with a moderate urge to urinate — comfortably full, not in pain. If you have a Foley catheter or suprapubic tube, you do not need to arrive with a full bladder. Come as you are.
Eat and drink normally
Please eat and drink normally the day of your procedure. No fasting required.
Continue all medications as normal
You do not need to stop or hold any medications unless specifically told to by your University Urology provider.
No driver required
You will not be sedated and may drive yourself to and from the appointment.
Notify us if you think you have a urinary tract infection
Contact our office before your appointment if you feel you may have a UTI. This may require that the test is rescheduled or that you receive an antibiotic prior to the procedure.
After Your Test
Recovery & What to Expect
Normal after a UDS test
If you arrived with a catheter
If you are unable to successfully urinate during the voiding portion of the test, a catheter will be replaced at the conclusion of the procedure before you leave the office.
Call our office and/or go to the ER if you experience:
Call (865) 305-9254 during office hours. After hours, follow prompts for the on-call provider.
Your Results
When and How You Will Receive Results
Preliminary findings at time of test
Some preliminary results may be discussed with you at the time of the study.
Final results: 2–4 weeks
Final test results will be provided by your primary urologist within 2–4 weeks. UDS results are not given by phone or other electronic means unless approved by your urologist.
Scheduling Policy
No-Show & Late Cancellation Policy
Please give at least 24 hours notice to cancel or reschedule
Patients who do not attend their scheduled UDS appointment or who cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice may be subject to a $50.00 cancellation fee. To reschedule, contact us as soon as possible at (865) 305-9254 or via Klara.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is urodynamics painful?
Most patients find UDS tolerable. The catheter placement causes brief discomfort similar to a standard catheterization. Some patients experience mild urgency or pressure as the bladder fills, which is expected and part of the test.
Do I need to stop any medications before the test?
No. Continue all regular medications as prescribed unless your University Urology provider has specifically told you otherwise.
What if I think I have a UTI before my appointment?
Contact our office before your appointment. The test may need to be rescheduled, or you may need an antibiotic prior to the procedure.
When will I find out what the results mean for my treatment?
Final results will be reviewed by your urologist within 2–4 weeks. Results are not communicated by phone or electronic message unless specifically approved by your urologist.
Questions Before Your Urodynamics Test?
Send a Klara message or call us. Our team is happy to walk you through what to expect.