These DIY solutions are intended as a supplement or for screening purposes and do not replace a diagnosis by a urologist, particularly if you are already experiencing urinary dysfunction (problems with urination)!
DIY – Uroflowmetry@Home
Using simple and relatively inexpensive materials, I have developed a functional, highly accurate and, above all, reproducible solution that enables uroflowmetry data collection anywhere and at any time. No tinkering, no soldering, no programming required. Using only standard components. Particular attention was also paid to ensuring that the steps involved in data collection are simple and easy to follow, even for non-experts.
But why go to all that trouble in the first place?
Without going into further detail, I myself am affected by a urological condition that has made uroflowmetry necessary. And I asked myself why this always has to be carried out in a doctor’s surgery or a clinic, rather than simply at home, where the situation and surroundings are relaxed and, above all, suitable. But to do that, you would have to either hire such a device or buy one yourself.
Initial research revealed that doctors do not lend out their devices for several, very understandable reasons. These include not only the cost of the device itself but also maintenance and the necessary redundancy: if a device is lent out, it is no longer available in the practice. And hygiene concerns also argue against lending out such devices. So that’s out of the question. Buying one yourself is out of the question too: even the simplest devices start in the four-figure range, and there’s almost no upper limit.
So I launched my ‘DIY-UroFlow@Home’ project with the aim of being able to carry out a uroflowmetry test myself at any time and – at least in theory – anywhere, using simple methods.
I am not a doctor!
I cannot make diagnoses and will not recommend any treatments. I have done some reading up on the subject due to my own issues and discussed it with my doctor. However, I am not a qualified specialist and do not presume to know more than licensed medical specialists.
The following applies to all statements made: they reflect my current state of knowledge. However, they do not claim to be either exhaustive or accurate. I may be wrong here and there, and I will have no problem being corrected on the basis of sound evidence. Where possible, I will correct any incorrect information and cite the relevant source.
So:
Make sure you see a urologist you trust. Even if you don’t have any immediate problems. From the age of 45, you should have an annual check-up. And if you have a family history of the condition, you should start as early as 40. Don’t be afraid of the examinations; at worst, they’re just a bit uncomfortable. But these doctors are highly qualified specialists and they don’t care whether you’re fat or thin, young or old, male or female, or whether you believe in a god or not. Find a doctor you trust and get yourself checked out!
Uroflowmetry: What exactly is it?
In short, a uroflowmetry test is a procedure used to assess bladder emptying. Or to put it another way: how well, how quickly and how completely you can empty your bladder. All in all, it is ‘simply’ a straightforward, painless, quick and hassle-free way of collecting data.
The procedure itself is incredibly simple: the patient stands in front of a suitable device or sits on a toilet seat fitted with a measuring apparatus and empties their bladder into it. As far as possible, they should relax and avoid straining.
What values are measured in this process?
Essentially, only two parameters need to be recorded: time and volume per unit of time. That is, seconds or milliseconds, and litres or millilitres per unit of time. Although there is a difference in density between urine and water – 1.000 g/ml for water versus 1.005–1.030 g/ml – this is not really significant. We can therefore use milligrams per unit of time instead of millilitres. All other values can be derived from these two basic values:
- Total weight (Self-explanatory: how much is in the container at the end)
- Flow rate / time (Strength of the stream. How much fluid per unit of time is measured over the entire duration)
- Micturition acceleration (When and how strongly does the stream increase, and when and how strongly does it decrease again)
At the end of the measurement, a measurement report is generated, which I cannot display here directly for copyright reasons. For an example, please visit this website -> Researchgate.
A doctor can deduce where the problem lies from the generated curve. Different conditions generally result in different graphs. Examples with explanations can be found in the -> Urology textbook
Required components
I found myself wondering: is there a device that can measure either the flow rate over time or the weight? Ideally, one that can be connected to a PC or a tablet.
I couldn’t find any flow meters meeting these specifications at short notice. But scales were. More specifically, coffee scales. These scales can be paired with tablets via Bluetooth and transfer the data to relevant programmes. You can use a programme to develop coffee brews optimised for the specific coffee machine being used. Surprisingly, the graph generated by the programme is largely identical to a uroflowmetry measurement!
To cut a long story short, here’s the solution:
- A Bluetooth-enabled tablet (I use an iPad myself; I’ll be testing Android soon)
- A Desent Half Scale coffee scale (available from the manufacturer: €119 plus postage – as of February 2026)
- The BeanConqueror app (free) The manufacturer supports other scales as well, but I haven’t tested them. You can find an overview on the ‘Supported Scales’ page.
- Any container. For simplicity’s sake, we’ll use a 500ml measuring jug. You can find these in any chemist’s or from your trusted online retailer.
- For women, a Urinella. These are also available in chemist’s or from your trusted online retailer.
One-time setup
Before use, you must download and install the software from one of the app stores.
The following description applies to iPadOS / iOS and may therefore differ from the Android version.
Launch the software, enable or disable Analytics & Tracking on the following screen, add a bean (Name = Test, then save), add a brewing method (Add custom, Name = Test, then save), add a grinder (Name = Test, then save).
Then open the menu (three lines top left), select Settings, Scale, Connect Scale. Allow “Beanconqueror to search for Bluetooth devices”. Switch on the scale. As soon as a scale is detected, connect it. Done. Open the menu and return to Home
Provided that Bluetooth is enabled on the iPad, the app will recognise the scale instantly and without any issues in future. You may just need to set the scale to zero and you can start the measurement.
Performing the measurement
The following description applies to iPadOS / iOS and may therefore differ from the Android version.
- Unlock your iPad or Android tablet
- Place the measuring jug on the scales
- Open the “BeanConqueror” app
- Switch on the scales, reset to 0 if necessary, and wait until the app has recognised the scales
- Start the measurement in the software
- Think of something nice, relax and then just let it run …
- At the end, finish the measurement in the software
- View the results, be sure to add comments (e.g. whether and what you have drunk and what your current personal situation is) and save.
- Switch the scales off again
P.S.: A solution that allows you to take a measurement whilst seated is currently in development and will be presented as soon as it is ready. Here too, the focus is on simple implementation and comparatively low costs.
You can then take your tablet or a simple printout to your trusted doctor and present the results to them. Different starting points produce different results. For example, the graph will look different in a stressful situation than when you were relaxed. And it will look different after 5 cups of tea than after 5 glasses of wine. It is therefore important to use the comments to provide the doctor with additional information about the specific situation and your personal condition.
