A Urethral Pressure Profile indicates the intraluminal pressure along the length of the urethra with the bladder at rest.  This is a Static UPP.  The Maximum Urethral Pressure is the maximum pressure of the measured profile.  The Maximum Urethral closure Pressure is the difference between the maximum urethral pressure and the intravesical pressure.  Otherwise known as PURA-PVES=Urethral Closure Pressure.  Urinary continence depends on the pressure in the urethra exceeding the pressure in the bladder at all times, even with increased abdominal pressure.  With the catheter placed in the bladder, it is withdrawn through the urethra with a slow and steady movement creating a pressure tracing marking the Closure Pressure.

Functional Urethral Length is the length of the urethra along which the urethral pressure exceeds the intravesical pressure.  Normal length is generally  1.0 – 4.0 cm.

A pressure flow study is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the bladder and urinary tract function during urination. It is typically performed when there is suspicion of bladder outlet obstruction, which can occur due to conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), urethral stricture, or pelvic organ prolapse.

During a pressure flow study, a catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra, and another catheter is inserted into the rectum to measure intra-abdominal pressure. The bladder is then filled with sterile water or saline at a controlled rate while the pressure inside the bladder and urine volume is measured. The patient is asked to void while the pressure and urine flow are measured and recorded.

The results of the pressure flow study can help diagnose bladder outlet obstruction and determine its severity. The test provides information about the pressure and flow of urine during voiding, which can indicate the presence of an obstruction in the bladder outlet or urethra. Treatment for bladder outlet obstruction may include medication, surgery, or other interventions, depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition.

A pressure flow study is a specialized test typically performed in a hospital or clinic setting and may take 30 to 60 minutes to complete. A urologist or a trained healthcare professional usually performs it.