The body takes nutrients from food and converts them to energy. After the body has taken the food components that it needs, waste products are left behind in the bowel and in the blood.
The urinary system helps the body to eliminate liquid waste called urea and keeps the chemicals, such as potassium and sodium, and water in balance. Urea is produced when foods containing protein, such as meat, poultry, and certain vegetables, are broken down in the body. Urea is carried in the bloodstream to the kidneys, where it is removed along with water and other wastes in the form of urine.
Test provides valuable feedback about the health of the lower urinary tract. It is commonly performed to determine if there is obstruction to normal urine outflow. Medical conditions that can alter the normal flow of urine include, but are not limited in abnormal condition.
Uroflowmetry, also called uroflow, is used to test the amount and speed of urination. The test can help your doctor to identify the cause if you suffer from slow urination or have trouble urinating.
Uroflowmetry is a quick, simple diagnostic screening test that provides valuable feedback about the health of the lower urinary tract. It is commonly performed to determine if there is obstruction to normal urine outflow.
Medical conditions that can alter the normal flow of urine include, but are not limited to, the following:
Benign prostatic hypertrophy A benign enlargement of the prostate gland that usually occurs in men over age 50. Enlargement of the prostate interferes with normal passage of urine from the bladder. If left untreated, the enlarged prostate can obstruct the bladder completely.
Cancer of the prostate or bladder tumor Urinary incontinence Involuntary release of urine from the bladder.
Urinary blockage Obstruction of the urinary tract can occur for many reasons along any part of the urinary tract from kidneys to urethra. Urinary obstruction can lead to a backflow of urine causing infection, scarring, or kidney failure if untreated.
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction Improper function of the bladder due to an alteration in the nervous system, such as a spinal cord lesion or injury.
Frequent urinary tract infections Apart from these there may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend Uroflowmetry.
A normal urine flow varies from 10 milliliters a second to 21 milliliters a second, depending on a person’s age and sex. Women tend to have less fluctuation with age and average around 15 to 18 milliliters a second.
A decrease in urine flow may suggest:
Alternatively, an increase in flow could signal weakness in the muscles that help control the flow of urine. An increase in urination could also be a sign of urinary incontinence.
After testing the flow of urine, your individual situation and symptoms will be taken into account before developing a treatment plan. Two people with the same test results could be treated very differently depending on their needs.
Your doctor is the best person to discuss the results of your test with, and he or she can help you determine whether treatment is recommended and what options you have.
The Uroflowmetry test is performed through the collection of a urine sample. It may seem awkward or uncomfortable, but you should not experience any physical discomfort during the test.
Be sure to arrive at your doctor’s office with a full bladder. Ideally, you should refrain from urinating for several hours before the appointment and drink plenty of liquids to ensure you have enough urine for the test.
Unlike traditional urine tests where you urinate into a cup, the Uroflowmetry test requires you to urinate into a funnel-shaped device or into a special toilet. It’s important that you don’t put any toilet tissue on or in the toilet or device.
It is best to urinate as you normally would, without attempting to manipulate the speed or flow in any way. An electronic Uroflowmeter hooked up to the funnel or toilet measures the speed and quantity of urination. You must refrain from urinating until the machine is turned on.