Post-void residual (PVR) urine explained

Post-void residual (PVR)

Post-void residual (PVR) is the amount of urine left in your bladder right after you urinate. It is measured with an ultrasound scan of the bladder or with a thin tube (catheter) that drains and measures what is left¹. If 100 to 150 milliliters or more is left, the bladder is not emptying completely¹.

A plain-language definition from the ProcedurePath glossary.

Written and reviewed by Varun Danda, MD, interventional radiology resident physician · Last reviewed October 25, 2026

Why it matters

An enlarged prostate can squeeze the tube that carries urine out (the urethra), so the bladder may not empty all the way. Doctors look at PVR together with your symptom score and a flow test to see how well your bladder is coping.

Questions to ask

What was my post-void residual?
Should it be measured again?
What does it mean for my treatment choices?

Read more: Prostate size and anatomy terms

Common question

How is post-void residual measured?

Right after you urinate, an ultrasound of the bladder or a thin catheter measures how much urine is left¹.

Talk with your doctor before you decide. This information does not replace personal medical advice. Read the medical disclaimer.

Sources

NIDDK, urodynamic testing ↩︎