My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

A to Z Guides

Email a Friend

Print Article

Information and Resources

Font Size

Topic Overview

The post-void residual (PVR) urine test measures the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination.

The test is used to help evaluate:

Incontinence (accidental release of urine) in women and men.
Urination problems.
An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH).

The amount of leftover (residual) urine can be measured by draining the bladder with a thin flexible tube (catheter) or by using ultrasound. The catheter method has a slight risk of causing infection or injury to the tube leading from the bladder (urethra). But the catheter method is safe when done carefully, and it may be less expensive than ultrasound.

It isn't clear how the results of the PVR test can be used to predict outcomes in men with BPH.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 23, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.