Diagnostic Tests

Urogynecologists use special tests to help diagnose pelvic floor disorders. In brief, the most commonly used tests may include:

Urodynamics

This test studies the way urine is stored in your bladder, the way it empties, and the speed of emptying during urination. Urodynamics is used to gather more information on problems such as urine leakage, difficulty emptying the bladder, and frequent urination at night. It is done in the office and takes about one hour. The results of the urodynamics test are available immediately after testing.

Ultrasound

This is a quick, painless test used to evaluate the bladder, ovaries, uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes to investigate reasons for pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding. A transducer sends sound waves into the tissues of the body to produce pictures of these organs that do not show up well on x-ray.

Cystourethroscopy

This is a procedure used to examine the inside of the bladder and urethra. This test is useful in the evaluation of urinary incontinence, painful urination, and frequent urinary tract infections. It is done in the office using a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort. A very small telescope with a camera on the end is gently inserted into the urethra and then the bladder to allow the doctor to visualize the entire bladder wall. It takes about 20 minutes.

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Preparing for Surgery

Pre Op

  • You will receive a Pre Op appointment date
  • At your Pre Op you will meet with your physician
  • You may be examined again, but here you will have the opportunity to discuss what surgery you will be having and for you to ask questions
  • Risk of surgery will be discussed
  • Once you finish with your physician, you will have all necessary lab work, chest X-ray, EKG, and meet with anesthesia at the hospital where your scheduled surgery will be performed

Post Op

  • If you are discharged with a catheter, call for an appointment in one (1) week. Please let the person know who is scheduling that you have a catheter
  • If you do not have a catheter, please make a follow-up appointment in six (6) weeks
  • If you have bleeding heavier than a normal period, or you need to change pads more frequently than one (1) per every three (3) hours, or you become short of breath or lightheaded (pass out), please call (706) 860-2004

What to expect:

  • Pain medications may cause itching. You may take Benadryl to help
  • If no relief, call your doctor
  • Pain medications will constipate you
  • Take Colace, milk of Magnesium and/or Metamucil
  • Try to avoid enemas
  • It is not unusual to not have a bowel movement for up to seven (7) days after surgery
  • Call if you have nausea, vomiting, distension of abdomen or severe pain and have not had a bowel movement
  • Do not be afraid to take pain medications as it is more important that you are not in severe pain after surgery
  • Surgery will NOT be painless

When you call:

  • Call if you are uncertain about whether or not you should call
  • Call if your temperature is greater than 101 degrees
  • Call for bleeding greater than one (1) pad every 2-3 hours. If it continues greater than three (3) pads
  • Call for nausea, vomiting, continued diarrhea
  • Severe abdominal or vaginal pain

Recommended Websites

For your convenience, we have listed several websites below that relate to female pelvic and sexual health.