Many men experience what’s known as post-void dribbling—that small amount of urine that leaks out shortly after finishing urination. While it can be frustrating and sometimes embarrassing, it’s actually very common.
Studies assessing how frequently this occurs show a wide range, from as low as 5% of the population to as high as 70%. Though based on clinical experience, the true figure lies much closer to the upper end of that range.
Why Does Post-Void Dribbling Occur?
There are several possible explanations, and understanding them requires a brief look at how urine normally flows out of the body.
1. Urethral Narrowing (Stricture)
In some men, a narrowing in the urethra—the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside—can cause a small amount of urine to become trapped behind the stricture. During urination, most of the urine passes through, but a small portion remains behind and leaks out afterward once the bladder has finished contracting.
2. Prostatic or Urethral Trapping
This is perhaps the more common cause. The prostate, a gland located just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, can increase in size with age—a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As the prostate enlarges, it can compress the urethra, making it more difficult to completely empty the bladder.
Men have two urinary sphincters (muscular valves):
• The internal sphincter at the bladder neck, and
• The external sphincter, just below the prostate.
When urination finishes, the internal sphincter closes. However, if urine remains trapped within the prostatic urethra, the external sphincter may close as well—leaving a small pocket of urine behind. Once that external sphincter relaxes, the residual urine dribbles out.
Since BPH affects up to 80% of men aged 70 and older, it’s easy to see why post-void dribbling is so widespread.
3. Idiopathic (Unknown Cause) or Muscular Dysfunction
In some cases, no structural abnormality is found. The issue may instead lie in the muscles that surround the urethra—such as the bulbocavernosus and ischiocavernosus muscles—which normally contract to help expel the final few drops of urine. With age or neurological conditions, these muscles may weaken, making it harder to fully evacuate urine.
When to See a Urologist
If your urinary stream is weak, intermittent, or requires straining, or if you notice that the urine sprays or splits, you may have a urethral stricture. In that case, you should see a urologist for evaluation and treatment.
Similarly, symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, a weak stream, urgency, frequency, or waking several times at night to urinate may indicate BPH. Addressing these underlying problems often improves post-void dribbling as well.
Managing Post-Void Dribbling
If no other urinary issues are present, the problem may simply be due to muscular dysfunction. In that case, several techniques can help:
1. Urethral Massage
Immediately after urination, use your fingertips to gently press the area behind the scrotum and push forward toward the base of the penis. This “milks” any remaining urine from the urethra.
2. Gentle Shaking or Squeezing
After urinating, gently shake or squeeze the penis to help expel residual urine.
3. Pelvic Floor (Kegel) Exercises
Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can significantly improve urinary control. These are the same muscles used to stop the flow of urine midstream. Imagine trying to lift the penis upward using only your internal muscles—that’s the sensation you want.
Hold the contraction for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. The relaxation phase is crucial to prevent tension or discomfort.
However, if you experience pelvic pain, pain with ejaculation, or testicular discomfort, avoid these exercises until you’ve been evaluated by a urologist or pelvic floor physical therapist.
Conclusion:
Post-void dribbling is common, often harmless, but understandably bothersome. Identifying the cause—whether it’s a narrowing, an enlarged prostate, or weakened muscles—can make treatment straightforward and effective. Addressing the underlying issue not only improves urinary control but can also enhance overall quality of life.
Don't hesitate to seek medical help, book your appointment with Dr. Dalati now, available in Etterbeek and Forest.