An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a test doctors use to help diagnose and stage certain cancers. These include kidney, bladder, urethral, and prostate cancer.
Historically, when cervical cancers were clinically staged, IVP was one imaging modality used to assist in determining if the cancer had spread. In recent years, IVPs have been replaced with PET/CT scans as a more definitive way to document the spread of cervical cancer.
Intravenous pyelogram uses contrast dye and x-rays to take pictures of your pelvic organs. These images can help doctors locate problems with the urinary tract and reproductive organs.
You may hear other names for the same test, such as pyelography or IV pyelogram. IVP is the medical abbreviation for intravenous pyelogram.
An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is a medical test that doctors use to look at the urinary system. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, bladder, and ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Doctors use IVP dye (contrast dye) to make these organs show up on x-rays. They can use IVP to help find tumors in your kidney, bladder, or urethra. They can also see if cervical cancer is blocking the ureters.
IVP is not as commonly used as it once was. Doctors may get more information from other, more sophisticated scans of the urinary system. But they may still order IVP for specific instances.
We can look for the following conditions with IVP:
You might need IVP if you have cervical cancer. The test can help doctors see if the cancer has spread, and if so, how far. They might combine IVP with other imaging tests to get a more complete look at your organs.
IVP can also evaluate for hydronephrosis, or swollen kidneys. This condition happens when a tumor in the uterus or another organ blocks urine from flowing. Fluid then backs up into the kidneys.
IVP might be a good test if you’ve had repeated UTIs or an injury to your urinary tract.
Your doctor may also order an IVP if you have any of the following symptoms:
Your doctor may recommend IVP if you have cervical cancer, kidney stones, chronic UTIs, or trauma to your urinary tract.
Your doctor won’t recommend IVP if you:
Depending on your specific condition, other tests may give doctors more information than IVP.
These imaging tests include:
IVP is a very safe test. It is a minimally invasive procedure with little or no downtime.
Doctors use the lowest radiation possible to get the best images. Modern x-rays use controlled x-ray beams and doses. The areas of your body that doctors don’t need to image get minimal radiation exposure.
The risks from IVP are minor. You could have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. It’s important to tell your doctor if you have any known allergies.
Severe allergic reactions are rare, but they may include:
You should also tell your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect you might be pregnant. The dose of radiation from an x-ray may cause harm to an unborn child.
IVP is an outpatient procedure. That means you’ll go home the same day. You may have the test in the doctor’s office or the hospital.
A radiologist or radiology technologist may perform the test. A radiologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques. A radiology technologist is a health care provider with special training in x-ray exams.
Your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare for IVP. You may not be able to eat or drink after midnight on the day before your surgery.
Your doctor may ask you to take a laxative the night before the surgery to clear your bowels. The test works best if your digestive system is empty.
You should tell your doctor about any metal you have in your body. That includes things like a port, a joint replacement part, or an internal implant.
Plan on wearing loose, comfortable clothing that’s easy to get in and out of.
The procedure takes about an hour. Your doctor will tell you what time to arrive at the office or hospital.
When you arrive at the hospital or doctor’s office, you will take off your clothing and put on a gown.
You will also need to remove any accessories or medical devices, including:
You don’t need a full bladder for the procedure. A nurse will ask you to pee right before the test. Having a nearly empty bladder makes it easier for the radiology technologist to see the contrast dye in your system.
If you are anxious about the test, your doctor can give you medicine to relax you.
When the dye enters your bloodstream, you may feel some mild effects.
These include:
Your doctor or radiology technologist may wrap a medical belt around your belly to keep the dye in your kidneys. After they remove it, they will take more x-rays. These images will show the dye passing from your kidneys, through the ureters, and into the bladder.
Before the doctor finishes the procedure, they will ask you to get up and use the bathroom. After you pee, they will take more x-rays. This set of pictures will show if any urine remains in the bladder.
Your doctor or radiology technologist will remove your IV and cover the area with a bandage.
If you had medicine to relax you, you will need someone to drive you home.
After the test, you can return to your normal activities right away. You should drink plenty of water to help flush the contrast dye out of your body.
You should call the doctor if you have any of the following side effects after IVP:
A radiologist will look at the IVP scan and make a report about the findings. They will then send a report to your primary care provider (PCP) or oncologist (cancer doctor).
You may need a follow-up exam in the future. Another exam could show if there have been any changes in your condition or if treatment is working well.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2026-08-06.
