Diagnostic Imaging & Pre-Surgical Evaluation
- A retrograde urethrogram (RUG) is an X-ray that shows the shape of the urethra and the length and location of any narrowing.
- No special preparation is usually needed.
- You lie on an X-ray table. A small tip is placed at the opening of the penis and dye is gently injected while pictures are taken.
- You'll feel pressure and some burning for a few moments. The test takes about 15 minutes.
- If you have a suprapubic tube, dye may also be placed through it to see the urethra from above (a combined study).
- Afterward, mild burning when you urinate is common for a day. Drink extra fluids.
Call right away
Call the office at (516) 535-1900, or go to the nearest emergency room after hours, if you have:
- Fever or chills
- You can't urinate
Your own instructions come first
Every patient is different. If the instructions you got at your visit or at discharge differ from this page, follow those, and call the office at (516) 535-1900 with any question.
Written and reviewed by Shervin Badkhshan, MD · Last reviewed
November 2026
Your results and questions
Your actual test results, visit notes, and messages with your care team are in your patient portal, the same one you use to book visits. Send questions through the portal or call the office at (516) 535-1900. For anything urgent, call the office or go to the nearest emergency room.