Test Details & Preparation

Cystometry

Cystometry is a test which is performed to detection of problems associated with the filling and emptying of the bladder. The bladder is part of the urinary tract. It’s a hollow muscular organ that relaxes and expands to store urine.

Cystometry determines the amount of urine in the bladder. The result tells your doctor about muscle function, mechanics, and nerve response of the bladder and urinary tract.

Usually, the bladder sends messages to the brain through nerve pathways when it needs emptying. Then the spinal cord sends a message to the bladder to contract and start the reflex of urinating. Normally, you can override this reflex voluntarily to hold and control the urine.

Many of the conditions may interfere with the muscular function or nerve pathways between the bladder and the brain. These conditions can lead to loss of bladder control or urinary blockage. Cystometry may be used to find the source of such problems.