You are asked to void (urinate). The time required to begin voiding and the size, force, and continuity of the urinary stream is recorded. The amount of urine, how long the voiding took, and the presence of straining, hesitancy, and dribbling are also recorded.
You lie down, and a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is gently positioned in the bladder, and any urine left in the bladder is measured and recorded. A catheter is then placed in the rectum and measuring electrodes are placed in the perineum (area near the rectum). Next, the thermal sensation is evaluated. Room-temperature saline solution is instilled into the bladder, followed by warm water. You will tell the health care provider what, if any, sensations are felt. The water is then drained from the bladder. A cystometer (a tube used to monitor bladder pressure) is connected to the catheter. Water or carbon dioxide gas is slowly introduced into the bladder at a controlled rate. You will tell the provider when you first feel the need to urinate. The pressures and volumes are recorded. When the bladder is full, you must urinate, and the pressure of the urination is recorded. The bladder is again drained of any residual urine and the catheter is removed.
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