Information for Patients Having a Urethrogram

What is a urethrogram? 

This is an examination that will allow us to examine your urethra using a special x-ray dye, which is recorded in real time using x-rays. The examination shows the appearance of the urethra and allows us to look for normal or abnormal appearances. X-ray dye is used to fill the urethra and bladder and shows up on the images. 

How is this examination done? 

You will be asked by the radiographer to change into a hospital gown. 

The radiographer will check your details to ensure you are the correct person and are having the correct examination.   

If you are aged between 10 and 55 you will be asked to confirm your gender and if there is a chance of pregnancy.  

You will be expected to lie on your back for this procedure with the X-ray tube positioned above your pelvic area.  Some local anaesthetic jelly will be inserted into the opening of your urethra using a small nozzle. This is used to make the examination more comfortable. 

A tube called a catheter will be carefully inserted into your urethra (the opening through which you urinate) and into your bladder. This tube will be kept in place by inflating a small balloon.  

A small amount of the X-ray dye will then be passed through the urethra and into the bladder via the catheter, whilst the X-ray images are taken.  

You will be asked to pass urine into a bottle whilst the doctor takes more X-rays. 

The pictures are then checked, and the catheter is removed. 

Is there any preparation?  

You will be asked to empty your bladder prior to the procedure.  

Continue to take your usual medications. 

Who will I meet?  

Radiologist (A doctor who specialises in X-rays) 

Radiographer  

Student 

How long does it take?  

The examination can take up to 20 minutes, time will vary for each patient. 

After your examination? 

Some people experience discomfort urinating during and immediately after the procedure. This discomfort usually resolves in less than 12 hours. 

How do I get the results?  

Your results will go back to the clinician who sent you for this examination. 

Contact numbers

We hope that you have found this information useful. If you have any questions or are worried about anything, please speak to the Appointments team on 01305 254428. 

About this leaflet

Author: Jeanette Bartlett, Lead Interventional Fluoroscopy Radiographer
Written: February 2025 
Approved: July 2025 
Review date: July 2028 
Edition: v1 

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk