What Should You Expect During a Urologist Exam for a Woman?
During a urologist exam for a woman, the doctor takes a health history, examines the pelvic area externally and internally, scans the bladder with ultrasound for retained urine, and requests a urine sample, according to HealthCentral. Depending on the reason for the visit, the doctor may also place a catheter and use a special machine to test how strong the bladder squeezes, or examine the inside of the urethra and bladder with a special camera.
Patients need to come to the urologist office with something in their bladder so that a urine sample is possible, recommends the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Urology. If the bladder is uncomfortably full, patients can ask to give a sample as soon as they arrive at the office. Next, the doctor asks for information about bladder symptoms, the patient’s general health history and any previous surgeries. Then, the doctor examines the pelvic region by pressing on the lower abdomen and examining internally, similar to a gynecological exam. This allows the doctor to examine the position and mobility of the urethra, and the strength of the pelvic floor muscles.
Next, a noninvasive ultrasound machine scans the bladder to make sure that it is emptying completely, maintains University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Urology. If necessary, the doctor inserts a catheter, drains the bladder, and fills it with a saline solution. The doctor then duplicates stress situations, such as coughing or laughing, and checks for bladder leakage. Special tests to measure the strength of the urine stream and the direct strength of the muscles around the bladder are also sometimes necessary.
