From the Guidelines
For weak urine flow, frequent urination, and urgency, you should undergo a urinalysis, post-void residual measurement, uroflowmetry, and possibly cystoscopy or urodynamic testing, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The diagnostic evaluation of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) should start with a complete medical history and a validated symptom score questionnaire, including bother and quality of life assessment 1. Some key points to consider in the diagnostic evaluation include:
- Taking a complete medical history from men with LUTS, which is strongly recommended 1
- Using a validated symptom score questionnaire, including bother and quality of life assessment, during the assessment of male LUTS and for re-evaluation during and/or after treatment, which is also strongly recommended 1
- Using urinalysis (by dipstick or microscopy) in the assessment of male LUTS, which is strongly recommended 1
- Measuring post-void residual in the assessment of male LUTS, which is weakly recommended 1
- Performing uroflowmetry in the initial assessment of male LUTS, which is weakly recommended, but strongly recommended prior to medical or invasive treatment 1 Your doctor will likely start with a comprehensive physical exam and medical history, followed by a urinalysis to check for infection, blood, or other abnormalities. Post-void residual measurement uses ultrasound or catheterization to determine if your bladder empties completely. Uroflowmetry measures your urine flow rate and volume, providing objective data about your voiding pattern. For men, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test may be recommended to check for prostate issues, especially if a diagnosis of prostate cancer will change management or if it assists in the treatment and/or decision-making process 1. If initial tests are inconclusive, your doctor might suggest cystoscopy (visual examination of the bladder using a thin tube with a camera) or urodynamic studies that assess bladder function during filling and emptying, as recommended by other guidelines 1. These tests help determine if your symptoms stem from conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary tract infection, overactive bladder, or neurological disorders, allowing for appropriate treatment planning. It is essential to note that the choice of tests may depend on the individual patient's symptoms and medical history, and the doctor may consider additional tests or procedures based on the initial evaluation, as suggested by various guidelines 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Possible Causes of Urine Weak Flow, Frequent Urination, and Urgency
The symptoms described, such as weak urine flow, frequent urination, and a sense of urgency, can be associated with several conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) 2, 3. BPH is a common condition in men, especially those over 40, where the prostate gland enlarges, potentially causing lower urinary tract symptoms.
Tests for Diagnosing Underlying Conditions
To diagnose the underlying cause of these symptoms, several tests can be conducted:
- Uroflowmetry: This test measures the flow rate of urine to assess how well the urinary tract is functioning 2, 4.
- International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS): This questionnaire helps assess the severity of lower urinary tract symptoms and their impact on quality of life 3, 4.
- Prostate Volume Measurement: An enlarged prostate can be a sign of BPH, and measuring its size can help in diagnosis 2, 4.
- Post-voiding Residual Urine Volume: This test checks for any urine left in the bladder after urination, which can indicate obstruction or other issues 4.
- Urinalysis: To check for infections or other abnormalities in the urine 5.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: While not definitive for BPH, elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate issues, including BPH or prostate cancer 4.
Importance of Medical Evaluation
Given the potential impact of these symptoms on quality of life, as discussed in various studies 3, 6, 5, it's crucial to undergo a thorough medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. The choice of treatment, whether medical or surgical, depends on the diagnosis and severity of symptoms, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences 2, 6.