What to Expect From Your Bladder Flow Test
Your GP, gynaecologist, or consultant has referred you for a Uroflow test. This is a quick and simple way to check how well your bladder is working when you go to the toilet. It helps us understand any problems you may be having when passing urine—such as a slow flow, needing to push or strain, or feeling like your bladder isn’t emptying completely.
What Is a Uroflow Test?
A Uroflow test shows us:
- How fast your urine comes out
- How much urine you pass
- How long it takes you to empty your bladder
The test can help us find out if there’s a blockage or if your bladder isn’t squeezing properly.
Why Have I Been Referred?
You might be having this test if you’ve had:
- A weak or slow urine stream
- Trouble starting to pass urine
- Stopping and starting during urination
- A feeling that your bladder doesn’t fully empty
- Needing to go urgently or often
This test helps your doctor decide what’s causing the problem and what treatment may help.
How Do I Get Ready?
Getting ready is easy:
- Drink plenty of water before your appointment so your bladder is comfortably full.
- Try not to empty your bladder for 1 to 2 hours before the test.
- You can eat and take your usual medications unless told otherwise.
What Happens During the Test?
The whole process usually takes less than 15 minutes:
1. Using the Special Toilet
- When you feel ready to go, you’ll be asked to pass urine into a special toilet or funnel that’s connected to a computer.
- This will measure how fast and how much urine you pass.
- You’ll be in a private room and can take your time.
2. Bladder Scan (if needed)
- After you’ve finished, we might do a quick scan of your bladder using a small ultrasound device on your tummy.
- This checks if any urine is left in your bladder.
What Happens After the Test?
- You can go home or back to work straight away.
- There’s no pain and no recovery time needed.
- Your results will be sent to the doctor who referred you. They’ll talk to you about what the test showed and what happens next.
Questions?
If you’re not sure about anything before your test, feel free to call the clinic. We’re here to help you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.
This test is recommended by bladder specialists and is a useful first step in finding out what’s causing urinary symptoms.