How to Measure Bladder Pressure

A test to measure bladder pressure, known as cystometry or a cystometrogram, is typically performed to diagnose urinary problems such as incontinence, recurring urinary tract infections, urinary retention and other problems that you may have when urinating. A device that measures pressure, called a manometer, is used to detect how much urine your bladder can hold before you need to urinate, the pressure that builds up as it's filling with urine, storing urine and during urination. This test will typically be performed at a doctor's office or in a hospital.

Things You'll Need

• Catheter
• Manometer

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Instructions

Test Steps

• 1

  Prepare for the test to measure bladder pressure by making an appointment. Other than that, there's usually nothing to do in advance. Some people may be asked to stop taking certain prescription medications in advance of the test.

• 2

  Begin the test by emptying your bladder as much as possible. Then a nurse or doctor will insert a catheter into your urethra all the way into your bladder to completely empty any remaining urine.

• 3

  Insertion of another, smaller catheter into the bladder will then take place. This special catheter has a device that measures pressure which is called a manometer. At this stage, an additional catheter may be inserted in your rectum to measure pressure there too. It will record how your abdominal muscles may contribute to overall bladder pressure.

• 4

  Filling the bladder slowly with warm water is the next step. As this happens, you'll be asked if you need to urinate and how your bladder feels. At the same time, your bladder pressure and the volume of water will be measured. As part of the test, you might be asked to strain or cough so that involuntary contractions can be observed.

• 5

  Begin urinating once your bladder is full and upon instructions from the doctor or nurse. Volume and pressure measurements will be taken during this process to assess pressure and urine flow rate.