Regain Your Confidence: Easy Ways Men Can Stop Embarrassing Urinary Dribbling
By Dr. David Samadi
Urinary dribbling after using the restroom is a frustrating yet common issue for many men, known medically as Post-Micturition Dribble (PMD). PMD occurs when a small amount of urine involuntarily leaks out after urination, often leaving men with embarrassing wet spots even after they feel they’ve fully emptied their bladder. While PMD can affect men of all ages, it’s widespread in older men.
What Causes PMD?
PMD doesn’t result from bladder problems or strenuous activity unlike other urinary conditions. Instead, it often occurs because of weakened pelvic floor muscles. These muscles surround the urethra, the tube through which urine exits the body. When these muscles lose strength, they may fail to fully release urine during urination, causing it to pool in a slight dip behind the base of the penis. This trapped urine can leak out after a man thinks he has finished, typically within a minute of dressing.
Common Contributing Factors
Several conditions and lifestyle habits may contribute to PMD by weakening pelvic floor muscles, including:
- Previous prostate surgeries, especially prostatectomies
- Chronic straining from constipation
- Persistent coughing, often from smoking
- Carrying excess body weight
- Heavy lifting over extended periods
- Nerve or muscle damage due to aging or neurological conditions
Recognizing PMD Symptoms
Besides dribbling, men with PMD may experience other urinary symptoms, such as urgency, frequency, hesitancy, and straining. However, many men have no other signs of urinary dysfunction.
Practical Solutions for Reducing Urinary Dribbling
Thankfully, there are a couple proven techniques to help manage PMD and reduce its impact:
1.Strengthen Pelvic Floor Muscles with Kegel Exercises
Pelvic floor exercises like Kegels are efficient for improving bladder and bowel control. These exercises strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, which helps prevent urine from pooling in the urethra. To perform Kegels:
- Contract the muscles you use to stop urine flow, holding for 5–10 seconds.
- Release and repeat several times throughout the day.
- Consistency is key, as strengthening these muscles over time can significantly reduce PMD.
2.Use the Bulbar Urethral Massage Technique
Also known as “urethral milking,” this technique helps clear residual urine after the main stream stops. Here’s how to perform it:
- After finishing urination, wait a few seconds to let the bladder empty.
- Place your fingertips three finger-widths behind the scrotum and gently massage forward toward the base of the penis.
- Repeat this once or twice to push any remaining urine into the urethra, making it easier to shake out the last drops.
- Finish by tightening your pelvic floor muscles (holding for 10 seconds, then releasing).
This method may take a little practice, but once learned, it’s quick and effective. It often reduces or even prevents post-urination dribbling.
Final Thoughts
While PMD can be an uncomfortable and often embarrassing condition, understanding its causes and adopting these techniques can make a significant difference. For men who find PMD persists despite these strategies, speaking with a healthcare professional may provide additional insights or options for managing this common issue.
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 two books, Prostate Cancer Now What? A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery and 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.