A cystoscopy allows the doctor to inspect the interior anatomy of your urethra and bladder in great detail to check for abnormalities. In this procedure a small flexible tube, equipped with a cystoscope is inserted into the urethra and into the bladder. You may feel a burning sensation or pressure on insertion of the cystoscope. Irritation with urination for up to 24 to 48 hours following the test might be experienced which is totally normal. No prior preparation is needed to undergo this test. The test does not require any sedation and you can carry on with your usual activities immediately following the cystoscopy. The procedure takes even less than 5 minutes for completion.

Cystometrogram is helpful in determining your perception of water filling your bladder, any urgency to urinate, uncontrollable contractions of the bladder, the maximum volume the bladder can hold without causing discomfort and the pressure within the bladder during the process of fluid storage. Cystometrogram employs the use of a catheter with a sensor which is inserted into the urethra and advanced into the bladder. The bladder is filled with a saline solution and the filing pressures are recorded. You will be asked to report any sensations you might experience such as pain, an urgency to urinate, fullness etc. You might have a leakage during the test which is perfectly normal. In case of a leakage, you must report it to the technician performing the test. Cystometrogram is done in a clinic and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You can resume your normal activities immediately following the cystometrogram. 

Urodynamic testing is done to measure your bladder strength and urinary sphincter health. These tests measure pressure within your bladder when it is at rest and when it is being filled. In this test, a catheter is inserted into the urethra and is advanced into the bladder to fill it with water. Pressure within the bladder is measured and recorded by a pressure monitor. Urodynamic testing is particularly helpful in determining the type of incontinence you have. 

An ultrasound can be done to obtain detailed anatomic pictures of the urinary tract or genitals in order to check for abnormalities. The procedure makes use of a skin probe which directs sound waves to bounce off the body’s internal organs, producing an anatomic image. Pelvic ultrasound is basically a screening test for the diagnosis of incontinence. 

Bladder stress test simulates the accidental and involuntary release of urine that might happen when you cough, sneeze, laugh or exercise. A thin, flexible tube called catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder. You might experience a slight burning sensation which is very normal. A certain amount of fluid is inserted through the catheter into the bladder. Next, the catheter will be removed and you will be asked to cough. Here the doctor checks for any fluid loss and notes down the time interval between the stress and the fluid loss. Fluid leaks on coughing suggest stress incontinence. If the fluid loss occurs several moments after the coughing, urge incontinence might be indicated. 

Postvoid residual measurement is done to measure the amount of urine left in your bladder after you have emptied it. You will be asked to urinate into a container to measure the urine output. Next, an ultrasound is done to determine the amount of residual urine in the bladder. A gel is applied on the skin over the bladder. An ultrasound probe is placed over the abdomen. Using sound waves, an image of the bladder is obtained on a calibrated screen which helps in the analysis and the diagnosis of the disease. A fairly large amount of residual urine in the bladder might indicate an obstruction in the urinary tract or abnormalities associated with bladder nerves or muscles.The test has no side effects whatsoever and you can resume your normal activities following the test.

Urinalysis is done to test the urine for any evidence of infection or any other contributing causes. One of the most common methods for diagnosis of incontinence, urinalysis is basically an array of tests performed to detect the various compounds that pass through urine. A urine sample is sent to the laboratory where it is tested for parameters such as physical color and appearance, clarity, odor, specific gravity, pH, protein, glucose, nitrites, ketones, bacteria, yeast cells, microscopic and chemical appearance etc. A detailed analysis is done based on the results obtained. In case of an abnormal result, your doctor might recommend tests like urine culture, intravenous pyelogram or cytoscopy.