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Why is a bladder stress test in women done?
The bladder stress test may be done as part of a physical exam when:
- You have involuntary release of urine when you sneeze, laugh, cough, or exercise.
- The medical history, physical exam, and urinalysis do not find a cause for the incontinence.
What do the results of a bladder stress test in women mean?
Stress incontinence is suggested if fluid leaks after coughing. A person who loses fluid during the stress test may be helped by surgery that prevents the bladder neck from falling. The bladder neck can fall when the person puts the bladder under stress, such as when lifting objects or coughing.
Fluid loss that occurs before coughing, or several seconds after coughing, indicates that abnormal bladder muscle contractions are occurring. This suggests urge incontinence. These contractions may be treated with medicines.
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