Diagnosing Pelvic Issues

Gynecologists in the Women’s Pelvic Health Center are able to diagnose pelvic disorders including pelvic pain, incontinenc and prolapse. Cytoscopy and Urodynamic Testing

All patients at the Women’s Pelvic Health Center will have an initial evaluation with a nurse practitioner, followed by visits with one of the physicians. Based on these assessments, the patient and physician together will determine the best treatment plan. 

Cytoscopy and Urodynamic Testing

The multidisciplinary team of pelvic health specialists uses several tools for diagnosing pelvic disorders.

A cystoscopy is an examination of the inside of the bladder and urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The doctor performing the examination uses a cystoscope—a long, thin instrument with an eyepiece on the external end and a tiny lens and a light on the end that is inserted into the bladder. The doctor inserts the cystoscope into the patient’s urethra, and the small lens magnifies the inner lining of the urethra and bladder, allowing the doctor to see inside the hollow bladder. Many cystoscopes have extra channels within the sheath to insert other small instruments that can be used to treat or diagnose urinary problems.

Urodynamics testing assesses how the bladder and urethra are performing their job of storing and releasing urine. Urodynamic tests help your doctor or nurse see how well your bladder and sphincter muscles work and can help explain symptoms such as:

• Incontinence
• Frequent urination
• Sudden, strong urges to urinate
• Painful urination
• Problems emptying your bladder completely
• Recurrent urinary tract infections

These tests may be as simple as urinating behind a curtain while a doctor or nurse listens or more complicated, involving imaging equipment that films urination and pressure monitors that record the pressures of the bladder and urethra.