GOUVERNEUR -- Nicole Weber, MD, urogynecologist at Gouverneur Hospital, is offering cystometrography (CMG) for women with bladder incontinence or difficulty urinating.

Cystometrography is a procedure that measures the function of the bladder. It does this through measuring the messages that are sent and received between the brain and the nerves and muscles of the bladder. It assesses the patient’s sensation of filling, fullness, and urinary urge. A catheter and electrodes are applied while the patient’s bladder fills, then empties, according to Dr. Weber.

“There are many ways we can study how the bladder fills and empties,” said Dr. Weber. “Cystometrography is the best procedure that can be done in an office setting for understanding all the factors that may be affecting the urge to urinate and the ability to urinate or to stop urinating,” she said. “It does not expose a woman to radiation, and it can tell us whether follow-up studies, such as radiologic imaging techniques, or even surgery are necessary.”

“Urinary incontinence is a major issue for many women and some are embarrassed to talk about it. It is something that often occurs as a result of multiple pregnancies or as a woman ages,” said Dr. Weber. “There are treatments, and the first step is to find out what’s really going on, because there could be other, more serious conditions that should be addressed. If more serious conditions can be addressed early they are usually more treatable and less costly to treat,” she said.

“Cystometrography will also examine urinary retention, which can lead to recurrent urinary tract infections if left untreated. Especially in the older woman, urinary tract infections (UTIs) can even mimic dementia,” said Dr. Weber. “For a definitive diagnosis in the older woman who may be experiencing forgetfulness or confusion, it’s best to rule out a UTI.”

Dr. Weber noted that, because cystometrography can assess how effectively the nerves in the bladder are communicating with the brain, the procedure is also used in patients who may have disorders that interfere with this messaging, such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or spinal cord injury.

Dr. Weber can perform the procedure in her office. No anesthesia is needed as the procedure causes no discomfort, and the procedure usually takes approximately 60 minutes to complete. Patients may usually follow their normal diet and activity routine prior to and following the procedure. The report of the procedure, called a cystometrogram, is then discussed with the patient to determine the best course of treatment, if necessary.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit http://www.gvnrhospital.org/our-providers/ or call 315-287-7700.