A weak urine stream, incomplete urination, or frequent urination may not be a problem of the urinary tract alone, but may reflect the working of the muscles of the pelvic floor and the sphincter muscles that do not release suitably

The Uroflowmetry test is one of the assessments that helps the doctor see the pattern of the passing of urine concretely. This article explains what Uroflowmetry is, which symptoms it is used to assess, and why this test is related to men's health more than many people think.

What is Uroflowmetry

Uroflowmetry is the measurement of the rate of flow of urine. When used together with Biofeedback, it helps assess the rhythm of the working of the muscles of the pelvic floor in real time

This form of test reflects both the strength of the urine stream, the pattern of the flow, and the relationship between the sphincter muscle and the bladder during the period of passing urine, so that the doctor can see whether the mechanism of passing urine works in a coordinated way or not

What can be examined

The result of the test may reflect states such as

The sphincter muscle of the pelvic floor not releasing suitably, making the urine stream weak or flow irregularly
A state of incomplete urination, or frequent urination that may be related to the contraction of the muscles of the pelvic floor
A pattern of passing urine that may support the assessment of a state of chronic pelvic pain, Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS)

The muscles of the pelvic floor are an important structure related to erection, ejaculation, and the passing of urine. When the muscles in this area work out of rhythm, the symptoms may therefore not show themselves in only one aspect

In a state of CPPS, the muscles of the pelvic floor may be in a state of held spasm (Hypertonicity) until hidden points of pain arise (Myofascial Trigger Points) and affect the urinary system alongside sexual capacity

Assessment with Uroflowmetry is therefore one of the instruments that helps the doctor understand the overall picture of the working of the muscles of the pelvic floor more clearly

The physical examination and the assessments usually done together

The doctor usually assesses Uroflowmetry alongside palpation to find hidden points of pain, assessment of the muscles of the pelvic floor, and possibly together with a TRUS examination in cases where the structure of the prostate gland needs to be assessed

Assessment in several dimensions helps the overall picture of the cause be seen more clearly, before planning care suitable for each individual

It may be considered in those who have symptoms such as

A weak urine stream, flowing irregularly, or having to strain
Frequent urination, incomplete urination, or burning and difficult urination
Having chronic pelvic pain together with problems of passing urine
Having other clinical indications that the doctor considers suitable

The role of Uroflowmetry at PYONG MEN

At PYONG MEN, Uroflowmetry and Biofeedback are used as part of the systematic assessment of the muscles of the pelvic floor, particularly in cases where the symptoms of passing urine and the symptoms of men's health have a chance of being linked through the same muscles of the pelvic floor

In brief

Uroflowmetry is the test of the rate of flow of urine
When used together with Biofeedback it helps assess the rhythm of the working of the muscles of the pelvic floor in real time
It supports the assessment of a weak urine stream, incomplete urination, and CPPS
The muscles of the pelvic floor link both the urinary system and sexual capacity
At PYONG MEN, Uroflowmetry is used as part of the assessment of the systems that are connected to one another

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Is Uroflowmetry painful? It is not painful. It is a measurement of the rate of flow of urine carried out in a private examination room

2. How should one prepare before the test? In general one must drink a suitable amount of water before the test. The medical team will give specific advice before the day of the appointment

3. Can the result of the test say straight away whether it is CPPS? The result of the test alone is not a diagnosis. The doctor will interpret it together with the symptoms and other examinations, such as the assessment of the muscles of the pelvic floor

4. Is a single test enough? It depends on the clinical purpose. Some cases are tested once in order to assess the overall picture, while some cases may need a repeated assessment as the care proceeds

5. Can Uroflowmetry be used in place of other tests? It does not replace them, but is part of the assessment that may be done together with TRUS, examination of the muscles of the pelvic floor, or other tests according to the indications