Site Map

Uroflowmetry

Uroflow

Uroflowmetry is a test that measures the volume of urine released from the body, the speed with which it is released, and how long the release takes.

Images

I Would Like to Learn About:

How the Test is Performed

You will urinate in a urinal or toilet fitted with a machine that has a measuring device.

You will be asked to begin urinating after the machine has started. When you finish, the machine will make a report for your health care provider.

How to Prepare for the Test

Your provider may ask you to temporarily stop taking medicines that can affect the test results.

Uroflowmetry is best done when you have a full bladder. Do not urinate for at least 2 hours before the test. Drink extra fluids so you will have plenty of urine for the test. The test is the most accurate if you urinate at least 5 ounces (150 milliliters) or more.

Do not place any toilet tissue in the test machine.

How the Test will Feel

The test involves normal urination, so you should not experience any discomfort.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is useful in evaluating the function of the urinary tract. In most cases, a person having this test will report urination that is too slow.

Normal Results

Normal values vary depending on age and sex. In men, urine flow declines with age. Women have less change with age.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Results are compared with your symptoms and physical exam. A result that may need treatment in one person may not need treatment in another person.

Several circular muscles around the urethra normally regulate urine flow. If any of these muscles becomes weak or stops working, you may have an increase in urine flow or urinary incontinence.

If there is a bladder outlet obstruction or if the bladder muscle is weak, you may have a decrease in urine flow. The amount of urine that remains in your bladder after urinating can be measured with ultrasound.

Your provider should explain and discuss any abnormal results with you.

Risks

There are no risks with this test.

Related Information

Stress urinary incontinence
Bladder outlet obstruction

References

Brucker BM, Nitti VW. Urodynamic and video-urodynamic evaluation of the lower urinary tract. In: Partin AW, Domochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 114.

Capogrosso P, Salonia A, Montorsi F. Evaluation and nonsurgical management of benign prostatic hypoplasia. In: Partin AW, Domochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 145.

Pessoa R, Kim FJ. Urodynamics and voiding dysfunction. In: Harken AH, Moore EE, eds. Abernathy's Surgical Secrets. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 103.

Rosenman AE. Pelvic floor disorders: pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and pelvic floor pain syndromes. In: Hacker NF, Gambone JC, Hobel CJ, eds. Hacker & Moore's Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 23.

BACK TO TOP

Review Date: 1/1/2023  

Reviewed By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Health Content Provider 06/01/2025

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complied with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information from 1995 to 2022, after which HON (Health On the Net, a not-for-profit organization that promoted transparent and reliable health information online) was discontinued.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2024 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.