Uroflowmetry - what is it? This is an ordinary manipulation in which the parameters of the urination stream are determined. It is carried out in order to find out the condition, and to check the functioning of the lower urinary tract.
In completely healthy people, urine outflow during urination begins slowly, but then the flow rate increases, and then it is again inhibited until the bladder is completely released. What does it mean if you are prescribed uroflowmetry? The price for this type of research is on average 1,100 rubles.
How does the urinary system work?
The body transforms the nutrients that a person consumes through food into energy. After assimilation of all the necessary components, decay products are excreted.
Some chemical elements remain in the urinary system, for example, sodium, potassium. Creatine and urea, which are formed as a result of the decomposition of proteins present in meat and individual vegetables, are removed.
What is the urinary system made of?
- Kidneys are paired organs that are below the ribs on both sides of the spinal column. They remove toxins from the body, which are removed together with urine, in addition, maintain the balance of salts and other substances. The kidneys produce erythropoietin, which is involved in the creation of red blood cells. In addition, they are involved in the regulation of blood pressure.
- The two ureters are narrow tubes through which urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder.
- The bladder is a hollow organ of a triangular shape, which is located in the abdominal cavity, occupying its lower section.
- The nerves of the bladder give signals that it is necessary to empty it.
- Two sphincters prevent the outflow of urine and consist of circular muscles.
- The urethra is a tube that removes urine from the body.
Preparation for uroflowmetry
Urinary retention may be due to diseases, for example, urethral stricture, which is the reason for uroflowmetry. Preparation for the procedure is as follows:
- the doctor may ask you to drink about four glasses of liquid a couple of hours before the procedure;
- women need to tell the doctor about the planned or real pregnancy;
- you should tell the doctor about all the medications that the patient is taking, including herbal products and vitamin complexes;
- due to the patient’s health, sometimes another individual preparation is prescribed, another procedure may be prescribed.
Indications for examination
Uroflowmetry - what is it? This is a fairly quick and uncomplicated diagnostic test, through which data are obtained on the condition of the lower urinary tract. It is used to determine if there is an obstruction that interferes with the normal outflow of urine.
Depending on the results of this procedure, the doctor may prescribe additional studies, for example, retrograde cystography, cystometry, cystoscopy. Urological diseases in which urine output is impaired:
- malignant tumor of the prostate gland ;
- urinary incontinence ;
- benign prostatic hyperplasia;
- suspension of urine, for example, when throwing it into the kidneys;
- bladder neurogenic dysfunction;
- bladder tumor;
- urinary tract infection.
Uroflowmetry complications
This is a safe procedure, however, complications can be caused by the patient’s state of health, therefore, it is necessary to discuss with the doctor all the points associated with this manipulation. Factors that lead to an irregular uroflogram:
- during urination, movements occurred or patient tension was observed;
- some medications.
How is uroflowmetry performed?
The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis or while the patient is in the hospital.
Manipulation is done as follows:
- The doctor first explains how to use the uroflowmeter.
- As soon as the subject is ready to urinate, he needs to press the "Start" button and make a five-second urination delay.
- Then the patient writes in a funnel connected to an uroflowmeter. The device records the process and displays the result in graphical form.
- During urination, you do not need to press on the urinary canal, strain the muscles of the perineum, abdominals and, if possible, not make unnecessary body movements.
- As soon as the patient finishes writing, it is necessary to withstand five seconds and press the uroflowmeter button.
- For medical reasons, the doctor may advise you to repeat the procedure several more times.
Uroflowmetry - what is it? What are its results reporting?
Using this procedure, you can determine the following parameters:
- The highest urine rate is the maximum volume that is released during a certain period. The speed is measured in ml / s. If this parameter is lower than the normative data, then this does not necessarily indicate a difficulty in the outflow of urine, since it depends on the amount of urine released, the sex and age of the patient, and the likely decrease in detrusor tone. If the value is higher than normal, then this indicates an excessive increase in the activity of the muscle of the bladder or a small resistance of the urination channel.
- Urination duration. This is the time from the beginning to the bottom of the outflow of urine. It is necessary to distinguish between the concepts of “urination duration” and “urination duration”. These two parameters do not coincide with an intermittent jet. The duration of urine outflow is affected by patency of the vesicourethral region, as well as the urethra itself, and the functional state of the smooth muscle fibers of the walls of the bladder.
- Average urination speed is the ratio of the volume of the urethra in milliliters to the duration of urination in seconds. Measuring urination speed helps to simplify the interpretation of data when urination is intermittent.
- Time to reach maximum. The period from the beginning to the highest urination rate. As a rule, this value is not more than one third of the length of the uroflogram. If the value is higher, then this indicates that the detrusor is weakened, and there are also possible problems with patency of the urinary canal and the vesicourethral region.
- The volume of urination, which is expressed in milliliters. The correctness of the results of the procedure depends on this parameter. In order to get the right results, this figure should be above 50 ml.
- The period of waiting before urination begins. In healthy people, this indicator should not exceed 30-40 seconds, and for diseases such as, for example, damage to the smooth fibers of the walls of the bladder - much longer. With subbubble obstruction of the urinary tract, this indicator increases to several minutes.
Urination disorders
A properly functioning urination system is an integral part of the normal state of the human body. The appearance of unpleasant sensations during urination, an increase or decrease in the volume of urine can talk about a number of diseases of the genitourinary system, as well as other body systems. In the event of such problems, consult a doctor. Types of urination disorders in men:
- change in the number of urinations during the day;
- pain
- urinary incontinence;
- change in the amount of urine;
- urinary tract obstruction;
- discoloration of urine.
Difficulties during the outflow of urine, rare urination, diseases of the genitourinary organs and genital infections are the most common disorders in men.
Causes of difficulty urinating in women:
- stress;
- benign and malignant neoplasms;
- infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system;
- diseases of the nervous system;
- urolithiasis disease.
Problems can also arise from taking medications that have diuretic properties or that contribute to delayed secretions. Common urological diseases:
- salpingitis;
- endometritis;
- cystitis;
- pyelonephritis;
- urethritis;
- bladder ulcer;
- paracystitis.
Useful information about the urinary system
In 24 hours, a person secretes about 750–2000 ml of urine, depending on the amount of fluid drunk. The amount of urine that is produced at night is approximately half the daytime. In the excreted urine there are slags and salts, there are no viruses, bacteria and fungi.
Conclusion
Uroflowmetry - what is it? This is a diagnostic procedure that can be used when examining the general population. Used to measure urine flow. The accuracy of this procedure is greatly influenced by the psychological factor. For the accuracy of the results, experts advise passing this study at least two times.
Uroflowmetry is included in most protocols for the diagnosis of lower urinary tract disease in both adults and children. Disorders that occur during urination must be treated immediately, since the disease can go into an advanced stage. In this case, the disease is treated long and difficult. Therefore, if you detect the initial signs of violations, you should consult a doctor.