Tests & Treatments for Urinary Incontinence at University of Colorado Hospital

Tests for Urinary Incontinence

Bladder diary

Keeps track of your bladder function.

Urinalysis

Urine is tested for various compounds, like nitrates, blood, bacteria and crystallized minerals.

Blood test

Your blood is tested for other possible causes of incontinence.

Post-void residual (PVR)

Measures the remaining amount of urine after urination.

Pelvic ultrasound

Produces electronic images of the pelvic organs.

Stress urinary incontinence test

Your doctor watches for urine leakage while you cough.

Cystogram

An X-ray of the bladder.

Cystoscopy

Examination of the inside of the bladder. A small tube with a camera at the end is inserted into the urethra and bladder.

Urodynamic testing

Studies urine flow and urine pressure in real time.

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Treatments for Urinary Incontinence

Medication

A number of medications are used to treat different causes of urinary incontinence.

Artificial bladder

Doctors construct an artificial bladder and attach it to the abdominal wall and urethra.

Bladder training

Involves urinating at set times, or increasing the time between voidings to train your bladder to hold more urine.

Pelvic floor muscle exercises

Exercises that can strengthen muscles in the pelvic floor.

Urethral inserts

A thin tube is place inside the urethra to block urine from leaking out.

Fluid and diet management

Limiting certain foods and drinks can decrease incontinence. These include caffeine, alcohol and tea.

Pessary

A small device that fits into the vagina to help hold it up.

Artificial urinary sphincter

A balloon is placed around the urethra and inflated to close the urethra.

Bulking material injections

A material is injected around the urethra to close a hole or build up thickness of the wall of the urethra.

Sling procedure

A sling is placed around the urethra to lift it back into place; this reduces pressure on the urethra. The sling is attached to the abdominal wall.