What Is Post-micturition Dribble?
Post-micturition dribble, also called after dribble, is the term given to the problem that men experience when they have an involuntary loss of urine immediately after they finish passing urine, usually after leaving the toilet. Post-micturition dribble is not caused due to stress from exertion or a problem with the bladder. It should be differentiated from terminal dribble, which occurs at the end of passing urine. However, the condition can become a nuisance and cause embarrassment. It may also occur in women but is much more common in men.
Most men with a post-micturition dribble urinate normally. However, it is likely to occur when the penis is tucked, and clothes are rearranged after a toilet visit. For example, trousers or underpants can end up getting wet. Men usually notice that even after waiting and gently shaking, the problem remains.
What Causes Post-micturition Dribble?
Post-micturition dribble is different from urine that comes out from gently shaking the penis while still at the toilet or urinal. It is also not similar to the dribbles or leaks that may occur due to stress on the bladder, such as when lifting something heavy or coughing unexpectedly.
Post-micturition dribble occurs due to the urine that is left in the curve of the urethra, which is situated behind the base of the penis. The dribbling usually occurs after one has already left the restroom, resulting in wet pants and embarrassment.
This condition often occurs as a result of a weakened pelvic floor muscle or an enlarged prostate. Some people can have both an enlarged prostate and a weak pelvic floor.
Weak Pelvic Floor
The muscles of the pelvic floor surround the urethra, and many things can lead to a weak pelvic floor. Following are some of the factors that can weaken these muscles-
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Surgery for an enlarged prostate.
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Constant straining to empty the bowels, particularly when constipated.
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Persistent cough, such as a smoker’s cough.
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Neurological damage.
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Overweight.
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Persistent heavy lifting.
Other signs of urinary dysfunction are generally not present, although some affected individuals may have symptoms such as urgency to go, increased frequency, hesitancy, and straining.
Enlarged Prostate
The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut that surrounds the top of the urethra. Its role is to produce the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
The prostate begins to expand in the middle of the twenties and continues to expand throughout life. When the prostate gets so big that it causes problematic symptoms, it is possible to be diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
How to Treat Post-micturition Dribble?
Hardly any men concede to having this issue. However, a considerable number experience the ill effects of it and are frequently severely humiliated by it. Men of all ages can be affected. There are two proven ways of dealing with this problem. First is to carry out pelvic floor exercises, and the other option is to use the fingers to remove the last few drops of urine from the urethra before the final shake.
Pelvic Floor Exercises-
If done correctly, pelvic floor muscle exercises or pelvic floor muscle rehabilitation can help resolve or improve leakage and improve bladder and bowel control. They can also be used to alleviate symptoms of weak pelvic floor muscles. When not exercised, a muscle will weaken over a period of time through lack of use. However, like any other muscle in the body, the more it is used and exercised, the stronger the muscles will be. The pelvic floor muscles are no exception.
It is essential to seek medical care if one experiences post-micturition dribble to get an accurate diagnosis and to rule out a more severe condition. The treatment modalities recommended by the healthcare providers depend on the cause of the post-micturition. These may include the following-
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Managing the intake of fluids.
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Avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
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Losing extra weight.
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Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles.
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Medications.
For men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the healthcare provider may recommend a treatment known as the Urolift, which holds the prostate away from the urethra. This lowers the pressure on the urethra and can help to get rid of dribbling and other issues with urination. In some cases, the healthcare provider may recommend surgery to treat BPH.
The Other Method to Reduce Post-micturition Dribble-
The technique mentioned below can be followed to push the last remaining drops of urine from the urethra-
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Wait a few seconds after passing urine to allow the bladder to get empty.
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Apply gentle pressure by placing the fingertips of the left hand three fingers wide behind the scrotum.
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Draw the fingers gently but positively forward toward the base of the penis under the scrotum while maintaining midline pressure.
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This leads to pushing the urine forward into the penile urethra, from where it can be emptied by shaking or squeezing in the usual way.
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To ensure that the urethra is entirely empty, repeat the procedure twice before exiting the restroom.
The technique mentioned above can also be practiced at home. With a hand in a trouser pocket, this technique can be done discreetly when using any public restroom. It only takes a few seconds and may help prevent the problem of wet trousers.
Conclusion:
Post-micturition is an involuntary urine leakage seen more commonly in men after urination, which may become embarrassing. The two most common causes include weakened pelvic floor muscles and an enlarged prostate gland. This condition can be adequately managed by performing pelvic floor exercises and getting treatment for the enlarged prostate.
