Do you also feel like you're not finished urinating? Let's talk about the PVR test (Post-Void Residual Urine Test)!

Have you ever felt like your bladder wasn't completely empty after you went to the bathroom? Or do you feel like you need to urinate frequently, like every hour? Do you have to go to the bathroom three or four times when you're getting ready to go on a trip? While these may seem like normal things, sometimes there can be a medical reason behind this. That's why we're talking about an important test that your doctor may need to perform at such times.

What is this Post-Void Residual (PVR) test?

While the name may sound a bit complicated, the meaning is quite simple. "Post-Void" means "after you've finished urinating." "Residual" means "what's left." So, in simple terms, the PVR test measures how much urine is left in your bladder after you've finished urinating.

Normally, when a healthy person urinates, the bladder should be completely empty. But sometimes a small amount may remain. This is normal. However, if a significant amount of urine is retained all the time, we call this condition Urinary Retention . This is not a good condition to ignore. Because prolonged retention of urine in the bladder can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and kidney damage.

Why would a doctor recommend this PVR test?

When you go to the doctor and tell him about certain symptoms, he may suspect that you also have this urinary retention condition. This test is mainly done to confirm that suspicion. If you have the symptoms below, a doctor is more likely to recommend this test.

How do you do this PVR test?

There are two main ways to measure this residual urine volume. Both methods are relatively painless, so there's no reason to be afraid.

1. Through an ultrasound scan

This is the most common, simplest, and easiest method. It's like a scan for a mother who is about to have a baby.

• First, you will be asked to urinate thoroughly and empty your bladder.
• Then you will be made to lie down on a bed.
• The doctor or technician will apply a special gel to your lower abdomen and then pass a small instrument (probe) through it.
• Images of the bladder can be viewed on a computer screen through the sound waves emitted by this device.
• By looking at those images, they calculate exactly how much urine is left in the bladder.
• In some special cases, a transvaginal ultrasound may also be performed for women. This also does the same thing.

2. Bladder Catheterization

Sometimes, this method is used if you want to get a more accurate result than a scan. Here's what happens:

• In this method too, you are first asked to urinate as much as possible.
• Then you will be made to lie down on an examination bed.
• Next, the doctor or nurse will thoroughly clean the area around your urethra and apply a numbing medication , so you won't feel much pain.
• Then, a very fine, flexible tube (catheter) is carefully passed through that passage into the bladder.
• All the urine remaining inside the bladder comes out along that tube and collects.
• The amount of urine collected is measured.
• When the work is finished, the tube is carefully removed.

Do I need to prepare anything before this test?

In most cases, no special preparation is required for this PVR test. You can eat and drink normally. However, it is best to ask your doctor before the test if there are any special instructions.

What happens after the test? Are there any risks?

This is usually an outpatient test, which means you can go home or go to work immediately after the test.

If you had a scan, you won't feel any discomfort. However, if you had a catheter inserted, you may feel a slight burning or discomfort when you urinate as the numbing medication wears off. This is normal.

After drinking plenty of water and urinating two or three times, this discomfort will largely go away.

In terms of risks, there are no risks with an ultrasound scan. However, there are some very minor risks with inserting a catheter.

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): There is a small chance of infection because something is inserted from the outside. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent this.
• Slight blood in the urine (hematuria): This may be due to a small abrasion in the urethra caused by the thin tube.
• Minor damage to the urethra or bladder: This is very unlikely to happen because this is done by very experienced people.

What do the results of the PVR test say?

The results will give you a value in milliliters (mL), which is the amount of urine left in your bladder.

Generally, an adult's PVR value of less than 50mL is considered a very good level. A value between 50mL and 100mL can often be considered normal. However, a PVR value of more than 100mL indicates that the bladder is not emptying properly. This means that you may have urinary retention.

But remember, these values ​​can vary with age, gender, and other medical conditions, so only your doctor can explain to you what your results really mean.

What are the reasons for a high PVR value?

If your PVR is high, your doctor may do some more tests to find the cause. The main possible causes are:

• A urinary tract obstruction (such as a tumor, urinary stone)
• Enlarged prostate in men
• Side effects of some medications
• Narrowing of the urethra
• Nervous system problems (neurogenic bladder)

Treatment depends on the cause and may include medication, surgery, or other treatments.

So, what are the best times to see the doctor?

This is very important.

In addition, if you have the symptoms below, see your doctor immediately.

• Lower abdominal pain or swelling
• Burning or pain when urinating
• Fever
• Urine that is dark in color or has a foul odor

Don't ignore these symptoms. The PVR test is a very valuable test that can help identify a medical condition before it becomes a major problem.

PVR test, Post-Void Residual, Urinary retention, Bladder, Catheter, Ultrasound scan, Urinary tract infection, UTI, Frequent urination