urinary stress test
Last reviewed 01/2018
This is a simple test for stress incontinence. The patient is examined in the lithotomy position with a full bladder. The examiner asks the patient to cough whilst observing the urethral meatus.
Stress incontinence is indicated by short spurts of urinary loss simultaneous with each cough. Loss of large volumes of urine or delayed leakage suggests uninhibited bladder contractions.
The test should be repeated in the standing position if the initial result is negative.