HealthInfo Canterbury
Diagnosing urinary system problems
To diagnose urinary system problems, your GP will examine you and ask you questions about your general health. They may arrange tests including:
- a urine test to look for signs of infection and any abnormal cells
- a blood test to check for signs of infection and to check how well your kidneys are working
- a cystoscopy, which is a test to look at your urethra (the tube you pass urine through) and your bladder
- a biopsy, where a sample of your bladder tissue is taken during the cystoscopy and examined under a microscope. This checks for bladder cancer and other diseases
- a pelvic examination to check your pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, vagina, small bowel and rectum)
- an ultrasound of your pelvis.
They may also ask you to complete a bladder diary to see how often you go to the toilet and how much you drink.
If you're male, your GP may recommend tests to check your bladder, prostate or kidneys. This is more likely if you're over 50.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created November 2019.
Review key: HIURS-53047
