Prostate flow tests will be given to patients to measure the flow of urine. The test tracks how quickly urine flows, the quantity of how much flows out, and the duration of how long it takes to come out. It is a diagnostic test to assess how well the urinary tract functions.

The test is a complementary aid in diagnosing many illnesses, as it can show changes that indicate the presence of benign prostate hyperplasia, prostate cancer or urethral strictures and provide very useful information.

By measuring the average and top rates of urine flow, this test can show an obstruction in your urinary tract such as an enlarged prostate.

For a prostate flow test, you should arrive at the clinic with a fairly full bladder. If possible, do not urinate for a few hours before the prostate flow test. If your bladder is not full enough, you may need to return later to repeat the test. It is, therefore, important that your bladder is “comfortably full” by the time you are ready to do the flow rate test.

You will be asked to urinate into a funnel connected to the electronic uroflowmeter. This records information about your urine flow on a flow chart and it helps us to calculated the flow rate.

The prostate flow test is quick and your doctor will know your test results right away. Average results are based on your age and sex. Typically, urine flow runs from 10 ml to 21 ml per second. Women range closer to 15 ml to 18 ml per second.

A slow or low flow rate may mean there is an obstruction at the bladder neck or in the urethra, an enlarged prostate, or a weak bladder.

A fast or high flow rate may mean there are weak muscles around the urethra, or urinary incontinence problems.
You may be asked to take other tests to fully learn what’s going on for treatment. Your urologist will create a treatment plan based on test results and your health history.

Treatment for enlarged prostate:

A wide variety of treatments are available for enlarged prostate, including medication, minimally invasive therapies and surgery. The best treatment choice for you depends on several factors, including:

  • The size of your prostate
  • Your age
  • Your overall health
  • The amount of discomfort or bother you are experiencing

If your symptoms are tolerable, you might decide to postpone treatment and simply monitor your symptoms. For some men, symptoms can ease without treatment.

If you would like to speak to our team about your prostate or prostate flow tests, please call us on 0161 327 1269 or email us at info@urologyclinics.co.uk. You can also visit our prostate clinic here.