As men age, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can start to impact bladder function. It’s important to maintain a healthy bladder, because BPH can bring on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTs) like frequent urination, needing to pee at night (nocturia), hesitancy, weak urine stream, and dribbling.
To understand what’s causing those symptoms, urologists can use a test called the UroCuff. It helps them get to the bottom of what’s happening.
What is the UroCuff test?
The UroCuff test evaluates how your bladder is working when you pee.
How it works
The UroCuff test measures bladder pressure, urine flow, and urine volume to determine whether your bladder is working correctly. This test is noninvasive, so it doesn’t involve any needles or probes.
Data presentation
The results of the UroCuff test are plotted on a graph called a nomogram.
How can the UroCuff help with BPH?
The UroCuff test offers several key benefits in understanding and managing BPH:
- Deeper understanding of bladder function: The best way to predict whether BPH treatments will work is to understand how well the bladder is working. The UroCuff test shows doctors how hard the bladder has to work to release urine.
- Better treatment options: The UroCuff test helps urologists find the causes of BPH symptoms. Bladder function is related to BPH symptoms like needing to pee all the time, waking up at night to pee, trouble starting a stream, weak stream, and dribbling.
- More than symptom management: The UroCuff test looks at how the bladder functions while urinating, helping doctors find the root cause of BPH.
How is the UroCuff test different?
Typical BPH evaluations rely on questionnaires that measure the severity of your symptoms. In other words, they are subjective.
By contrast, the UroCuff test can provide objective data about bladder function. It measures bladder pressure, urine flow rate, and urine volume. Doctors use this information to create a summary of your results on a modified nomogram, which helps them make a BPH diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the UroCuff machine cost?
The cost of the UroCuff machine itself is generally not something a patient directly pays for. It’s an investment made by urology clinics and hospitals. Your cost will be for the UroCuff test, which varies based on your insurance coverage, the facility performing the test, and your specific location. Contact your insurance provider and the clinic directly for accurate pricing.
What is a UroCuff procedure?
A UroCuff procedure is a non-invasive test used to assess bladder function and diagnose lower urinary tract symptoms in men. It involves placing a cuff around the penis to measure pressure and flow during urination. The test helps doctors understand how well the bladder is emptying and if there are any obstructions.
Is the UroCuff test embarrassing?
Understandably, some men may find the UroCuff test a bit awkward or embarrassing due to its nature. However, healthcare professionals are trained to be sensitive and respectful. Remember that the test is a routine procedure, and the staff prioritizes your comfort and privacy.
Is the UroCuff test painful?
The UroCuff test is generally not considered painful. You might experience some mild pressure from the cuff around your penis, but it shouldn’t cause any significant discomfort. Most men tolerate the procedure well without any need for pain relief. If you have concerns about pain, discuss them with your doctor.
Final Thoughts
The UroCuff test can be a helpful tool in managing the symptoms of BPH, giving urologists objective data to guide treatment decisions.
If you’re a man experiencing symptoms of BPH, talk with your urologist to find out if the UroCuff test is right for you.