Slow urination can occur in both men and women and is defined by a sub-par urine flow rate. Urine flow rate is a measure of the volume of urine that is expelled from the body in a specific duration of time. This rate of urine flow can vary with the same person experiencing a lowered urine flow at certain times and a higher one at other times. This is because the rate of urine flow depends upon the degree of fullness of the bladder, the circumference of the urethra and the pressure applied while urinating.
A slow urine flow may not be significant unless it persists for a long period of time. Chronic cases may signify an underlying problem that requires medical intervention. For example, a lowered rate of urine flow that is accompanied by other symptoms such as a burning sensation while urinating may indicate a urinary tract infection.
Uroflowmetry or uroflow is a procedure used to measure the volume of urine released, the speed at which the urine is released and the time it takes for the release to occur.
During this test, you will have to urinate into a special toilet that has been fitted with a measuring device. The results from the test will enable your doctor to determine if your urine flow rate is normal or low. Moreover, this test needs to be performed when a person has a full bladder, so urinating for at least 2 hours prior to the test should be avoided.
Normal values of urine flow vary with age and sex. For an adult male between the age of 14 and 45 years, the normal flow rate is 21mL/sec while for a female of the same age group; the rate is 18mL/sec. For men between the ages of 46 and 65 years, the flow rate drops to 12mL/sec while it remains at 18mL/sec for women.
The results of the uroflowmetry test will be collated with your symptoms and the results of your physical examination and will enable your doctor to make a diagnosis. Treatment will depend on the diagnosed cause of the lowered urine flow rate.
A urine residual test measures the amount of residual urine in your bladder after urination. This is known as the post-void residue and is usually measured using an ultrasound scanner which produces a detailed image of your abdomen including the bladder. These tests are usually performed by a radiologist in a clinic or a hospital. A catheter inserted into the urethra can also be used to measure the post-void residue. Post-void residues in excess of 100mL indicate that the bladder is not emptying properly due to some reason.
The cause of a weak urine stream resulting in a slow urine flow rate could be nothing more serious than a case of dehydration. An additional symptom of dehydration is urine that is dark yellow in color. This can be remedied easily by drinking several glasses of water. Other causes however, may be more serious and require treatment. They include urinary tract infections, structural defects in the urinary tract, bladder and kidney stones and an enlarged prostate in the case of men.
Urine flow rate can be increased in many cases by a few simple home remedies. Drinking plenty of fluids and keeping well hydrated is essential. Another step would be to drink at least 8 glasses of barley water or unsweetened lemon juice every day in addition to your regular fluid intake. Drinking cranberry juice will also help to clean your urinary tract and promote healthy urine flow. Always make sure your genital area is dry and clean. This will eliminate the risk of any external infection.
Men who suffer from benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH can try supplements of saw palmetto and stinging nettle which are reputed to be very effective in decreasing prostate enlargement and improving urine flow.