Cystometrogram Evaluates Bladder Dysfunction

A cystometrogram (CMG) is a test that evaluates how well your bladder functions. It measures both your bladder’s capacity to hold urine and its ability to empty effectively. At Colorado Springs Urology, it’s typically performed when someone has bladder issues, such as frequent urination, pain, or difficulty emptying their bladder . The information obtained from this test helps healthcare providers identify the problems and recommend treatment options.

1. A small tube, called a catheter, is inserted into the bladder through the urethra.
2. The doctor slowly fills the bladder with a special liquid to see how it responds as it fills.
3. The doctor observes how your bladder holds the liquid, how much it can hold before it feels full, and if it empties properly when you try to urinate.

The test helps your healthcare team understand if there are any issues with your bladder, such as holding too much urine, emptying too slowly, or causing discomfort.

A CMG is appropriate for patients experiencing bladder symptoms such as urinary incontinence, frequent urination, or difficulty emptying the bladder.

It helps diagnose issues such as:

• Overactive bladder
• Neurogenic bladder (often seen in spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis)
• Bladder capacity and pressure, particularly before some surgeries

It should not be used if a person has an active urinary tract infection (UTI).

Some benefits of this test include:

• Accurate diagnosis provides a clear understanding of bladder function, helping identify the exact cause of symptoms such as urinary leakage, urgency, or pain.
• The results help healthcare professionals select the most appropriate treatment, including medications, intermittent catheterization, or other interventions.
• The test evaluates critical factors such as bladder size, urine capacity, and emptying efficiency, which are vital for understanding muscle and nerve function.
• For patients considering surgery, a CMG establishes a baseline of bladder function and rules out an overactive bladder, which might negatively impact surgical success.
• It helps detect problems such as an overactive bladder, weak pelvic muscles, or structural abnormalities that could impair urination.