Urinary Flow Test For Prostate Problems
The urine flow is a dynamic test that measures the speed of urine flow. The device calculates the amount of urine, rate of flow in seconds, and the length of time until all urine has been passed. A transducer in the machine records and translates the flow into a graph to give a good visual indicator of the degree of bladder blockage. A normal flow will show as a bell-shaped curve, while an obstructed bladder will show a strained, slow pattern.
A urine flow test is a quick, simple test that gives useful feedback about the health of the lower urinary tract. It is often used to see if there is a blockage the normal urine outflow. Health conditions that can change normal urine flow to include:
- Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
- Urethral stricture
- Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
- Other causes
What are the risks of a urine flow test?
Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the accuracy of a urine flow test. These factors include:
Straining with urination
Constipation
Your bladder is not full of urine
Body movement during urination
Certain medicines that affect bladder and sphincter muscle tone
