Post-void dribbling, often called post-micturition dribble (PMD), refers to the involuntary leakage of urine shortly after urination has finished. This common experience can be frustrating and embarrassing for many men. It affects men of all ages, though its prevalence increases with age. While bothersome, post-void dribbling is often manageable.
Understanding the Causes
Post-void dribbling occurs when residual urine remains in the urethra after voiding. A common reason is urine pooling in the bulbar urethra, the section just below the prostate. The male urethra’s natural “S-shaped” curve can trap urine here, leading to leakage with movement after urination.
Weakness of the pelvic floor muscles also contributes. These muscles, like the bulbocavernosus, perform a “milking” action to clear residual urine from the urethra. If weakened or ineffective, urine can remain and dribble out. Aging, chronic straining (e.g., constipation), persistent coughing, being overweight, and certain surgeries can weaken these muscles.
Prostate enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH) can indirectly contribute to post-void dribbling. An enlarged prostate can impede complete bladder emptying, leaving residual urine that may later leak. Urethral stricture, a narrowing, is a less common cause that can obstruct urine flow, leading to pooling or incomplete emptying.
Managing Post-Void Dribbling
Several strategies can help manage post-void dribbling. Urethral milking, also known as stripping, is an effective technique. This involves gently pressing and stroking the urethra from behind the scrotum forward towards the base of the penis after urination to manually push out trapped urine. Repeating this action ensures the urethra is more completely emptied.
Pelvic floor exercises, or Kegels, strengthen the muscles supporting the bladder and urethra. To perform them, identify the muscles used to stop urine flow or prevent passing gas, then tighten for a few seconds and release. Regularly performing these contractions can improve muscle control and support, helping prevent leakage.
Adjusting your position during urination can be beneficial. Leaning slightly forward or sitting down can relax pelvic floor muscles and allow for more complete bladder emptying. While standing is common, sitting may offer a more favorable position, especially for those with prostate issues, to empty their bladder effectively. Timed voiding, urinating at scheduled intervals rather than waiting for a strong urge, can train the bladder and prevent overfilling, reducing dribbling.
Lifestyle adjustments can alleviate symptoms. Reducing intake of bladder irritants like caffeine and alcohol, which increase urine production, may help. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding constipation can reduce pressure on the bladder and pelvic floor, supporting better urinary control.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While often benign, seeking medical advice for post-void dribbling is important in some situations. If self-help measures do not improve leakage or the problem worsens, a healthcare professional can assess the underlying cause.
Consult a doctor if post-void dribbling is accompanied by other urinary symptoms. These include pain during urination, blood in the urine, difficulty initiating or stopping urination, a frequent urge to urinate, or a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. A sudden onset of dribbling without a clear reason also suggests medical attention.
If leakage significantly impacts your quality of life, causing distress, embarrassment, or limiting daily activities, professional guidance can provide solutions. A doctor can conduct an examination to rule out or diagnose conditions like urinary tract infections, prostate issues, urethral strictures, or nerve damage contributing to dribbling. Early diagnosis of these conditions can lead to more targeted and effective treatment.