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A cystometry catheter is a thin, flexible tube used during cystometry, a bladder function test. It is placed through the urethra into the bladder so fluid can be added and bladder pressure can be measured. The test helps evaluate how the bladder stores and releases urine. A second small catheter or pressure sensor may also be used to measure abdominal pressure during the study.
read more about cystometry catheter ...A cystometry catheter is used during urodynamic testing to assess bladder filling, pressure, sensation, capacity, and muscle activity. It can help evaluate urinary leakage, urgency, frequent urination, retention, weak urine flow, or neurologic bladder problems. The catheter allows the clinician to fill the bladder in a controlled way while recording pressure changes. Results are reviewed with symptoms, exam findings, and other urinary tests.
The catheter connects to urodynamic equipment that records pressure inside the bladder. Sterile fluid is slowly placed into the bladder while the patient reports sensations such as first urge, strong urge, or discomfort. Pressure readings help show whether the bladder muscle contracts too early or whether the bladder holds fluid at abnormal pressure. The test may also include coughing, straining, or urinating while measurements are recorded.
The clinician cleans the urethral area and gently inserts the lubricated catheter into the bladder. The catheter is connected to the testing system, and bladder filling begins according to the protocol. The patient may be asked to describe sensations, cough, bear down, or empty the bladder during the test. The catheter is removed after the measurements are complete.
Cystometry catheter use can cause temporary burning, urgency, mild discomfort, or a small amount of blood in the urine. Infection is a possible risk, especially if urinary symptoms worsen after the test. Drinking fluids may help reduce irritation if the clinician says it is safe. Fever, chills, worsening pain, trouble urinating, or cloudy foul-smelling urine should be reported promptly.
No. A Foley catheter is commonly used for bladder drainage, while a cystometry catheter is used during testing to measure bladder pressure and function.
It can feel uncomfortable or cause pressure, but severe pain is not expected. Patients should tell the clinician if insertion or filling hurts.
Yes. Any catheter placed through the urethra can increase infection risk, though the test is done with precautions to lower that risk.
It usually stays in only during the urodynamic test and is removed after the measurements are finished.
Urodynamic Testing. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/urodynamic-testing. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.
Urodynamic Testing: Purpose, Procedure, Risks & Results. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/15684-urodynamic-testing. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.
Cystometry. Johns Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cystometry. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.
Cystometric Study. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003904.htm. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.
Urodynamic Testing and Interpretation. StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562310/. Date Accessed June 16, 2026.