What can men do to quickly and effectively stop urinary dribbling?
Have you ever experienced that awkward moment when you’re at the urinal and you just can’t seem to shake off those last few dribbles of urine, causing unexpected leaks? It can be embarrassing and downright frustrating to deal with while trying to use the restroom. According to the Urology Care Foundation, up to 25 percent of men have urinary dribbling. But, what can men do to stop urinary dribbling when facing this challenge?
What is urinary dribbling and what causes it?
Many men experience post-micturition dribbling, a condition where urine continues to dribble shortly after voiding (aka urinary dribbling) despite the sensation of complete emptying of the bladder. This phenomenon, also known as terminal dribble or post-void dribble, is particularly prevalent among older men due to age-related changes in the musculature surrounding the urethra—the tube through which urine is expelled from the body. As men age, the muscles responsible for squeezing the urethra may weaken, resulting in incomplete emptying of the urethra and leaving behind residual urine in a small reservoir at the base of the penis.
The residual urine trapped in the urethra can subsequently trickle out within a minute or so after urination has ceased, causing discomfort and inconvenience. While shaking the penis or waiting briefly before zipping up may offer temporary relief, these measures often prove ineffective in fully addressing the issue.
How to stop urinary dribbling
Fortunately, a simple technique can help alleviate dribbling of urine. This technique involves manually exerting pressure along the length of the urethra to encourage the expulsion of any residual urine. Here’s how to perform it:
Identify the Starting Point
Immediately after urination, locate a point approximately one inch behind the scrotum.
Apply Gentle Pressure
Using the fingertips of one hand, gently press upward towards the base of the penis while maintaining a consistent pressure.
Gradually Move Along the Urethra:
Continue applying pressure as you slowly move your fingers along the underside of the penis towards the base, just below the scrotum.
Repeat as Necessary:
Repeat this milking motion once or twice to effectively encourage the expulsion of any pooled urine within the urethra.
Shake Out Residual Drops:
Once you have milked out the last few drops of urine, you can shake the penis gently to expel any remaining urine.
Takeaway message
With practice, men can quickly master this technique, incorporating it into their post-void routine to minimize the occurrence of urinary dribbling. By effectively emptying the urethra of residual urine, men can reduce the discomfort and inconvenience associated with this common issue. However, if urinary dribbling persists or worsens, It is recommended for men to seek advice from a healthcare professional for additional assessment and treatment.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncolo gy and prostate cancer 911.