Division of Gynecology
The Division of Gynecology, part of the OB/GYN Department, offers exceptional patient care, research programs, and education and training opportunities.
Urogynecologic Evaluation & Tests
Understand urogynecologic assessments
Contact Us
Urogynecology Experts Here to Help
At Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), we offer the latest in urogynecologic testing. When you come for your first appointment, please bring in any relevant past test results.
What to Expect
During the visit, we’ll review your medical history with you, and perform a thorough pelvic exam. Depending on the nature of your condition, we may also assess your bladder function by asking to void in a commode and measure volumes voided and retained.
After the exam, your doctor will sit down with you, explain your condition(s) and discuss recommendations. We may suggest specialized testing to help diagnose the problem.
Diagnosis and treatment of your condition is a team effort, involving you and the specialists in our clinic. Please feel free to ask any questions during your visit. It is important to us that you understand the problem and the treatment plan.
More About Urogynecologic Testing
Cystourethroscopy
A cystourethroscopy is commonly performed office procedure during which we insert a small lens into the urethra and bladder. We use this test to look for abnormalities that may contribute to your urinary symptoms. Your doctor will inspect the walls of your bladder, urethra and ureteral orifices.
A member of your testing team applies an anesthetic numbing gel to the inside of the urethra. The procedure usually is not painful, but you may feel some discomfort. Be prepared to spend at least 20 minutes in our office for this test. You can drive after this procedure, and no one needs to come with you.
Urodynamic Testing
Urodynamic testing is a computerized evaluation of how the bladder, urethra and sphincters are working. The test uses sensors attached to small tubes. It is not a painful procedure, but it may be uncomfortable. Please arrive with a full bladder and be prepared to spend at least one hour in the office. You can drive after this procedure, and no one needs to come with you.
At the beginning of the study, you will empty your bladder into a machine that measures how fast your urine flows. A member of your testing team will place two small tubes with sensors: one vaginally or rectally, and one into the urethra. The urethra a is tube that drains urine from your bladder to outside the body. The sensors measure how much pressure is exerted on your bladder during the study.
The testing team will use the same tube to slowly fill your bladder with sterile water. We’ll ask you to let us know how full your bladder feels at various times during the filling process. We’ll ask you to cough and bear down to reproduce circumstances that cause leaking. Once the bladder is full, you will empty your bladder into a special funnel with the catheters in place.
