Pain and embarrassment associated with urodynamic testing in women.

INTRODUCTION: Multichannel urodynamics is a series of interactive tests used to evaluate lower urinary tract dysfunction. We sought to describe symptoms and satisfaction in a cohort of women undergoing these procedures.
METHODS: Females undergoing urodynamics completed questionnaires immediately (Q1) and 1 week (Q2) after their testing. Surveys utilized visual analog scales (VAS) from 0 to 10 to assess pain, embarrassment, anxiety, and satisfaction. Q2 also inquired about urinary symptoms in the days following the procedure.
RESULTS: 100 women were analyzed. Regarding symptoms on the day of testing, VAS scores indicated low bother; with a median of 1.5/10 for pain, 0.4/10 for embarrassment, and 1.8/10 for anxiety. One week following, recall of pain (p = 0.169), and embarrassment (p = 0.722) were similar. Further analyses suggested that overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) might be associated with greater pain during and after the procedure (p = 0.04, p = 0.038 respectively), while depression was associated with greater embarrassment at those times (p = 0.018, p = 0.027 respectively). Painful bladder syndrome (PBS) was associated with a higher recall of pain (p = 0.018), and anxiety with more embarrassment (p = 0.033) on the second survey. Finally, younger age correlated with higher pain on both questionnaires (Q1: τ = - 0.148, p = 0.029; Q2: τ = - 0.171, p = 0.014). Following urodynamics, urgency was most common (43%), generally resolving within 1 day. Reassuringly, 86% would repeat urodynamics if necessary, and overall satisfaction was rated ≥9/10 at both time points.
CONCLUSION: Urodynamic testing is well-tolerated in women. Nevertheless, younger age, anxiety or depression, and a diagnosis of OAB and PBS may lead to more negative experiences. Such information may be useful in counseling future patients.