Skip to content
WebMD: Better information. Better health.
 
Other search tools:Symptoms|Doctors|Medical Dictionary

Information and Resources

Font Size
A
A
A

Cystourethrogram

A cystourethrogram is an X-ray test that takes pictures of your bladder and urethra while your bladder is full and while you are urinating. A thin flexible tube (urinary catheter camera) is inserted through your urethra into your bladder. A liquid material that shows up well on an X-ray picture (contrast material) is injected into your bladder through the catheter, then X-rays are taken with the contrast material in your bladder. More X-rays may be taken while urine flows out of your bladder, in which case the test is called a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG).

If X-rays are taken while contrast material is being injected into the urethra, the test is called a retrograde cystourethrogram because the contrast material flows into the bladder opposite the usual direction of urine flow.

Why It Is Done

A cystourethrogram is done to:

How To Prepare

Tell your doctor if:

  • You are or might be pregnant.
  • You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
  • You are allergic to the iodine dye used in the contrast material or any other substance that contains iodine. Also tell your doctor if you have asthma, are allergic to any medicines, or have ever had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), such as after being stung by a bee or from eating shellfish.
  • Within the past 4 days, you have had an X-ray test using barium contrast material, such as a barium enema, or have taken a medicine (such as Pepto-Bismol) that contains bismuth. Barium and bismuth can interfere with test results.
  • You have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place.

This test is often done in children to see if they may have an abnormal backflow of urine (vesicoureteral reflux). Prepare your child for exams and tests that are needed. Doing so will help your child understand what to expect and can help reduce fears.

You may be asked to sign a consent form authorizing this procedure. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results may mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information formpdf(What is a PDF document?).

If you are breast-feeding, give your baby formula for 1 to 2 days after the test.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: 8/, 010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

WebMD Video: Now Playing

Click here to wach video: New Year's Resolutions

Before you kick the year off with a new diet and exercise regimen, watch tips on how to do it correctly.

Click here to watch video: New Year's Resolutions

Popular Slideshows & Tools on WebMD

puppy eating
What you need to know.
Ra Management Get A Personalized Report
Assess your symptoms.
Xray of foot highlighting gout
Causes, symptoms and treatments.
Concentration Killers Slideshow
What's robbing your focus?
brain scan
Recognizing symptoms.
group beer toast
Do you know your suds?
Diabetic tools
Symptoms, causes, treatments.
thumbnail for fatigue slideshow
Causes, fixes for fatigue.
thumbnail for Brain Food slideshow
Foods that can help you focus.
Hot cup of coffee
The facts about that cup of joe.
Wendy’s Chicken Club
Double-fisted diet wreckers.

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.