Why Do I Dribble After Urination & What Can I Do About It?
Dribbling After Urination for a Male – What Causes It?
Involuntary dribbling after urination when you think you’re finished is a type of urinary incontinence called Post Micturition Dribble (PMD). More commonly known as after dribble.
This type of dribbling is different than dribbles that you can shake out while still at the toilet.
And, it’s also different than squirts and dribbles from pressure or stress on the bladder, like when coughing or lifting something heavy.
PMD dribble after urination occurs because some of the urine gets left behind in a curve of the urethra behind the base of the penis. It’s commonly caused by weakening of the pelvic floor muscles.
Weaker muscles don’t contract as effectively to push the urine along the urethra, and that’s why some gets left behind. Although PMD can affect both men and women it’s more common in men.
And, for men, PMD can also be caused by health conditions like an enlarged prostate or bladder/pelvic infections, or behavioral factors such as having a smokers cough or being overweight.
What Can I Do About It?
The most immediate, simplest, fastest thing you can do -- if you haven't already -- is to get the correct level of protective underwear to handle your situation.
Of course, this isn't a cure or treatment for incontinence. But having reliable protection will reduce your stress level and allow you to live life more freely, pretty much the minute you put on the option that's right for you.
What are your incontinence underwear options?
Below is a quick summary; for more detail visit our Male Urinary Incontinence Underwear Options blog article.
Disposables: Made from papery/plastic materials. They work well, but can be bulky and uncomfortable. Here are the options.
- Pads, Guards & Shields: Good for drips, dribbles and maybe light leaks. Can be used with your regular underwear.
- Disposable pull-ups/briefs: These are for heavier needs. They pull on like regular underwear, but generally aren't very flexible so can be uncomfortable.
- Adult Diapers with Side Tab Closures: Generally very bulky. But, if this is the level of protection required, they are the best option for the heaviest needs
Washable & Reusable: These are made from fabrics and look like regular underwear. They are specially designed with features that handle incontinence and it’s the type that we here at Zorbies specialize in.
Zorbies are made from soft, high performance fabrics so that makes them very comfortable to wear. And, since they look and feel just like regular underwear you won't have to stress over wearing diaper-like protection.
Men's Zorbies have an exclusive incontinence protection system built in and have great ratings for superior protection and 5-star comfort.
While you may be embarrassed to acknowledge -- even to yourself -- that you are having urinary incontinence symptoms, it’s way more common than you may think.
Estimates are that as many as 1 in 2 women (50%) and 1 out of 4 men (25%) experience incontinence at some point. No need to feel alone or embarrassed, you’ve got plenty of company, so...
Take control of the situation by taking action, millions have - don't let it control you!
Consult your Doctor
Having protective underwear is helpful, but the most important action you can take is to seek medical advice promptly. Why?
Because there are different types of urinary incontinence, PMD is just one of them. And it’s not a disease, it’s a symptom of something -- most commonly weakened pelvic floor muscles.
Other causes include Bladder and urinary tract infections, enlarged prostate, bladder and prostate cancer.
That's why your physician needs to diagnose the causal factors prior to prescribing treatment.
What Are the Treatment Options for Dribbling after Urination?
We are providing this information only to give you an idea of the range of options. Which is/are right for you must be recommended by your physician based on your specific situation.
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Developing a schedule for using the restroom even if there is no urge can help. This type of routine might prevent things from become an urgent matter
- Managing fluid intake around your schedule can also help – e.g. if you’ve got a long drive somewhere don’t tank up on water right before you leave. Make sure you get your recommended amount of fluid, just plan the intake so it doesn’t create a problem. Also note that some fluids – like coffee and alcohol - cause you to produce more urine. Consult with your doctor about fluid do’s and don’t’s and what intake plan is best for you
- Losing weight. Being overweight means that there’s less room for a bladder to expand when it’s filling and that puts pressure on it which can cause leaks
Kegel Exercises
Since weakened pelvic floor muscles can cause incontinence, strengthening them with Kegel exercises can help.
Medications
There are a variety of medications that are used to treat symptoms of incontinence. These are prescribed according to the type and severity of incontinence, age, and gender. As such, it is necessary to consult a doctor to get prescribed medication that is suitable for your specific condition.
Treatment of Underlying Conditions
If there is an underlying condition, like an infection, your doctor will be able to treat it to clear up or relieve your symptoms. In some severe cases surgery may be needed. That’s why it’s so important to consult our doctor to understand your situation and get the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
Summary of Why You Dribble After Urination and What You Should Do About It
Dribbling after urination in males, what causes it?
- Involuntary dribbling a short time after urination is a type of urinary incontinence called Post Micturition Dribble (PMD) or after dribble.
- It occurs because some of the urine gets left behind in a curve of the urethra behind the base of the penis, so an extra shake or two won’t prevent it from happening.
- It’s most commonly caused by weakened pelvic floor muscles, but could also indicate an underlying health condition, like enlarged prostate.
Incontinence is more common than you may think, you’re not alone.
- Estimates are that about 1 in 2 women (50%) and 1 out of 4 men (25%) experience incontinence.
- Don't be embarrassed by your symptoms, you’ve got plenty of company; and yours won't be the first case your doctor's seen
What you should do about it and Why
- Don’t ignore it, address it. Consult a physician or urologist. There are different types of urinary incontinence, PMD is just one of them. Your physician needs to understand/confirm the type and causal factors of your situation prior to prescribing treatment to relieve the symptoms.
- Self-help: Get protective underwear - it will absorb pee drips after urinating and keep them away from your clothing. This will help manage the situation and reduce some stress.
- Once you have sought medical advice and have the right treatment plan to manage your symptoms you'll be able to live life more freely
Bio: Anna Williams is a former senior care support worker, and has spent many years advocating for better mental and physical health care within the senior care community. She volunteers locally, enjoys long walks on her weekends and spending time with her two pups, Tommy and Zadie.
Disclaimer: None of the information in this article is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.
References:
1. Causes of urinary incontinence: Nia-Nih article2. Prevalence of urinary incontinence: Science Direct article