Possibly the best phrase to explain the term 'Urodynamics' is: "The study of pressure and flow relationships, during the storage and transport of urine within the urinary tract" The products are concerned with the assessment of bladder function - most commonly urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunction, whether due to obstruction or neurogenic disorders. Incontinence is usually due to a condition of the detrusor muscle, urethral sphincter mechanism or bladder nerves, and obstruction due to a prostatic obstruction or condition of the urethra or bladder neck. Both incontinence and obstruction can now be treated to a greater extent than in the past; the treatments include pharmacological agents, physiotherapy, electrical stimulation and surgery. There have been many recent advances in Urodynamics equipment and study techniques, but the most common study types remain: Mictiometry (free-flow, or Uroflowmetry) A reflection of the bladder emptying function. Non-invasive. Patient empties bladder into recording device (flowmeter), which records & reports parameters based on volume and rate of fluid expelled. Cystometry (filling & voiding) Helps evaluate bladder muscle (detrusor) function, based on the pressure-flow relationship during bladder filling and emptying. Catheters are positioned to provide bladder filling and record bladder and abdominal pressure. Voiding Cystometry is also known as 'Pressure-Flow Study'. Urethral Pressure Profile (UPP) Assesses ability of the urethra to prevent leakage. Indicates the intraluminal pressure along the length of the urethra, by withdrawing a pressure-measuring catheter through the urethra at rest ('Static' UPP) or under stress ('Stress' or 'Dynamic' UPP - patient coughs at regular intervals). Video Cystometry Bladder filling/emptying performed under X-ray or Ultrasound conditions. EMG Electromyography - measurement of muscular (sphincter) electrical activity.