Women urinate in the standing position do not increase post-void residual urine volumes

The effects of standing while voiding have seldom been investigated in women. We evaluate urodynamic parameters of voiding while standing in healthy women using uroflowmetry and post-void residual urine volume assessment. Results are compared with crouching and sitting.

Between July and October, 2008, a total of 30 healthy, nulliparous female volunteers were enrolled. Ages were 22-37 (mean: 28±4). Urodynamic studies were performed for all in sitting, crouching and standing positions; 3, 3 and 5 times in each position, respectively. Volunteers used homemade auxiliary appliances for collecting urine from the urethra and draining it forward when standing. Volume, maximum flow rate, mean flow rate and post-void residual urine volume were compared.

Maximum and average flow rates in the sitting and standing positions were significantly different, but not between sitting and crouching or between crouching and standing. There were no differences in voided volume and post-void residual urine volume. There's no apparent learning curve for women in the standing position.

Though flow rates are decreased while standing, post-void residual volume is not significantly different. Women have another choice for voiding in public restrooms.