Diagnostic Imaging & Pre-Surgical Evaluation
- A VCUG shows the bladder and urethra while they fill and while you urinate.
- A thin catheter (or your suprapubic tube) is used to fill the bladder with dye.
- X-rays are taken as the bladder fills and while you urinate on the table. It can feel awkward. That's expected.
- The test takes about 30 minutes.
- Mild burning when you urinate is common for a day afterward. 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.