It’s natural to have reservations about getting your bladder examined. You may be concerned about the procedures, the questions asked, and even what the examination turns up. So, knowing what to expect when having your bladder examined may already help you to feel a little more at ease as you begin to discuss bladder management with your doctor.
This article explains how you can prepare for a visit to a urologist and discusses the various tests that may be performed.
Doing a little preparation before your urologist appointment may help you feel more confident in having that conversation. You can help organise your appointment with the following documentation:
If you take any prescription medications, try to make a list before your appointment. The doctor will likely evaluate your medications to see if they are contributing to your bladder issues. Better to over share than under share, so consider any supplements or vitamins you may also take as these may interact with medication or cause symptoms of their own.
This can be a tricky one, but where possible, gather your medical history. Understanding your family’s medical history and any underlying conditions may make your appointment go more smoothly. If you can answer questions about your parents’ and grandparents’ health, this is great, if not, don’t worry. Your urologist will be able to work with you to assess your bladder symptoms.
It can be easy to forget what you wanted to ask if you’re nervous. Think about your questions in advance and note them down. This will give you peace of mind during your appointment, and after the fact.
You can document the symptoms you experience with a bladder diary to get a true sense of your bladder’s behaviour in your daily life. If you then take these notes with you when you go to the urologist, you can provide clear evidence of any issues you are experiencing, and they will be able to better assess your condition.
Do your bladder habits ever keep you from doing what you enjoy? Do you plan your daily activities around your bladder symptoms? Asking these kinds of questions may help you to discover patterns around your bladder issues. This bladder diary can help you to document your habits.
An appointment with a urologist will always include a conversation about your symptoms. This is why it’s best to be prepared with as much information as possible and ready to describe the symptoms you’re experiencing.
If new or worsening bladder symptoms have prompted your appointment with a urologist, it’s likely you will need to undergo some tests when there. There are different tools that your urologist may use to better understand your bladder.
An ultrasound scan of the bladder can measure the amount of urine that is left in the bladder after using the toilet. This is a non-invasive test that can be done to help diagnose urinary retention. Some urologists may also measure residual urine in the bladder with a catheter.
A urologist may investigate the quantity and speed of your urine flow by asking you to urinate into a funnel-shaped device. If your urologist is expecting to do this type of test, it is possible they will ask you to avoid using the bathroom before your appointment.
Urodynamics is a comprehensive test where the bladder is filled with water via a catheter and electrodes are placed on the skin to monitor how the bladder works when emptying. This method is the best to diagnose the exact nature of the bladder problem.
After any tests have been performed, your urologist will discuss the results with you. This will either be during the same appointment, or it may require a follow up. They will then talk about possible treatment plans for any conditions they have found.
Most importantly, they will work with you to find a solution that fits your needs and lifestyle.
If you have any questions along the way, you can always reach out to Coloplast Care for support.
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