Uroflowmetry: What It Is, How It Works, and What This Test Is Used For

The patient urinates into the uroflowmeter, a funnel connected to a sensor.

Men perform the test standing; women perform it seated.

Do not strain or force during urination.

How Uroflowmetry Results Are Interpreted

An article published in 2023 reports that results vary according to the amount of urine collected, which must be at least 100 ml. Age also influences results. With aging, bladder contractions weaken, reducing urinary flow. The same study presents the following average urinary flow rates:

• 14 to 45 years: 21 ml/s
• 46 to 65 years: 12 ml/s
• 66 to 80 years: 9 ml/s

Uroflowmetry results may indicate bladder obstruction or urological diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Reference values include:

• Maximum flow above 20 ml/s: typically no obstruction.
• Maximum flow between 15 and 20 ml/s: possible obstruction; further tests may be required.
• Maximum flow between 10 and 15 ml/s: suspicion of obstruction.
• Maximum flow below 10 ml/s: may indicate significant obstruction.

After receiving the results, it is important to consult a urologist to determine the next steps.

The Importance of Uroflowmetry in Preventive Care

Urinary changes may be associated with various health conditions and should be evaluated by a physician. Consult a urologist if you experience increased urinary frequency, slow flow, urethral pain, or other symptoms. Uroflowmetry can help the physician investigate urinary alterations and guide proper evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is uroflowmetry performed?

The patient urinates into a device that measures urinary flow and volume. It is quick and painless.

How much does uroflowmetry cost?

Costs range from R$100 to R$300 and may be covered by insurance.

How should I prepare for the test?

Have a full bladder and avoid urinating for 2 hours before the test.

What is considered a normal uroflowmetry result?

It depends on age and urinary volume, but maximum flow above 15 mL/s may be considered normal depending on the clinical context.

Men’s Health Content on Dr. Paulo Egydio’s Channel

Recurring urinary symptoms can affect quality of life, including sexual health and emotional well-being. Uroflowmetry, together with specialized follow-up, contributes to proper evaluation of urinary function. Educational content can support patient understanding. Subscribe and activate notifications on the Dr. Paulo YouTube Channel to follow new videos prepared by the specialist.

• The patient urinates into the uroflowmeter, a funnel connected to a sensor.
• Men perform the test standing; women perform it seated.
• Do not strain or force during urination.

How Uroflowmetry Results Are Interpreted

An article published in 2023 reports that results vary according to the amount of urine collected, which must be at least 100 ml. Age also influences results. With aging, bladder contractions weaken, reducing urinary flow. The same study presents the following average urinary flow rates:

• 14 to 45 years: 21 ml/s
• 46 to 65 years: 12 ml/s
• 66 to 80 years: 9 ml/s

Uroflowmetry results may indicate bladder obstruction or urological diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Reference values include:

• Maximum flow above 20 ml/s: typically no obstruction.
• Maximum flow between 15 and 20 ml/s: possible obstruction; further tests may be required.
• Maximum flow between 10 and 15 ml/s: suspicion of obstruction.
• Maximum flow below 10 ml/s: may indicate significant obstruction.

After receiving the results, it is important to consult a urologist to determine the next steps.

The Importance of Uroflowmetry in Preventive Care

Urinary changes may be associated with various health conditions and should be evaluated by a physician. Consult a urologist if you experience increased urinary frequency, slow flow, urethral pain, or other symptoms. Uroflowmetry can help the physician investigate urinary alterations and guide proper evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is uroflowmetry performed?

The patient urinates into a device that measures urinary flow and volume. It is quick and painless.

How much does uroflowmetry cost?

Costs range from R$100 to R$300 and may be covered by insurance.

How should I prepare for the test?

Have a full bladder and avoid urinating for 2 hours before the test.

What is considered a normal uroflowmetry result?

It depends on age and urinary volume, but maximum flow above 15 mL/s may be considered normal depending on the clinical context.

Men’s Health Content on Dr. Paulo Egydio’s Channel

Recurring urinary symptoms can affect quality of life, including sexual health and emotional well-being. Uroflowmetry, together with specialized follow-up, contributes to proper evaluation of urinary function. Educational content can support patient understanding. Subscribe and activate notifications on the Dr. Paulo YouTube Channel to follow new videos prepared by the specialist. Uroflowmetry measures the strength and volume of the urinary stream, helping the doctor assess possible obstructions and prostate-related conditions. Uroflowmetry, also known as urinary flow testing, is ordered by a urologist or general practitioner to evaluate voiding disorders. The test is also used to investigate benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement) and to monitor recovery after urinary tract surgeries. Find answers to the most common questions about the procedure below.

How Uroflowmetry Is Performed

Uroflowmetry can be performed in urology clinics, specialized laboratories, and hospitals. The test is indicated for patients with pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, urethral pain, or other urinary changes. It is a quick, non-invasive, and painless exam that measures urinary speed and total voiding time. Understand the parameters:

• • Total flow (Qmax): the higher the urine flow rate, the better the urinary stream.

• • Average flow: average speed of the urinary stream from start to finish.

• • Total time: the total time a person takes to urinate.

• • Flow curve: a graph that helps identify whether the urinary flow is normal or suggests an obstruction.

Preparation for uroflowmetry is simple. Follow these steps:

• • Inform the physician about any prescription medication in use.

• • No fasting required.

• • Drink 2 to 4 glasses of water.

• • Avoid urinating for 2 hours before the test.

Uroflowmetry does not require anesthesia, and the procedure works as follows:

• The patient urinates into the uroflowmeter, a funnel connected to a sensor.
• Men perform the test standing; women perform it seated.
• Do not strain or force during urination.

How Uroflowmetry Results Are Interpreted

An article published in 2023 reports that results vary according to the amount of urine collected, which must be at least 100 ml. Age also influences results. With aging, bladder contractions weaken, reducing urinary flow. The same study presents the following average urinary flow rates:

• 14 to 45 years: 21 ml/s
• 46 to 65 years: 12 ml/s
• 66 to 80 years: 9 ml/s

Uroflowmetry results may indicate bladder obstruction or urological diseases such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Reference values include:

• Maximum flow above 20 ml/s: typically no obstruction.
• Maximum flow between 15 and 20 ml/s: possible obstruction; further tests may be required.
• Maximum flow between 10 and 15 ml/s: suspicion of obstruction.
• Maximum flow below 10 ml/s: may indicate significant obstruction.

After receiving the results, it is important to consult a urologist to determine the next steps.

The Importance of Uroflowmetry in Preventive Care

Urinary changes may be associated with various health conditions and should be evaluated by a physician. Consult a urologist if you experience increased urinary frequency, slow flow, urethral pain, or other symptoms. Uroflowmetry can help the physician investigate urinary alterations and guide proper evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is uroflowmetry performed?

The patient urinates into a device that measures urinary flow and volume. It is quick and painless.

How much does uroflowmetry cost?

Costs range from R$100 to R$300 and may be covered by insurance.

How should I prepare for the test?

Have a full bladder and avoid urinating for 2 hours before the test.

What is considered a normal uroflowmetry result?

It depends on age and urinary volume, but maximum flow above 15 mL/s may be considered normal depending on the clinical context.

Men’s Health Content on Dr. Paulo Egydio’s Channel

Recurring urinary symptoms can affect quality of life, including sexual health and emotional well-being. Uroflowmetry, together with specialized follow-up, contributes to proper evaluation of urinary function. Educational content can support patient understanding. Subscribe and activate notifications on the Dr. Paulo YouTube Channel to follow new videos prepared by the specialist.