I have always dribble a bit but it has recently been getting worse occasionally resulting in noticeable wet patches on my clothes can be very embarrassing.would be great full of any advice
Hi Ev,
Sorry to hear you are struggling with this.
Dribbling after going to the toilet, also known as post-micturition dribble is a common problem in men. You should therefore not worry that you are alone in experiencing this.
Finding your clothes have wet patches is a common symptom of this. This problem is often caused by weakness of the pelvic floor muscles that surround the urethra. This is most commonly caused by having a recent operation for an enlarged prostate. It can also be caused by temporary problems such as constipation, having a cough and even persistent lifting. It can also be caused by neurological damage or being obese. Are any of these causes relevant to you?
For treating the condition, a fast technique is the following:
- Wait a couple of seconds after passing urine so the bladder can fully empty
- Place the fingertips of your left hand three finger-breadths behind the scrotum. Apply gentle pressure
- gently draw the fingers towards the base of the penis under the scrotum
If you would prefer to try muscle exercises for treatment, there are many alternative methods you can try. Would you like some recommendations of exercises and lifestyle tips?
Feel free to read our blog about the causes of post-micturition leakage for some more information.
That is no problem, I hope this was helpful.
Pelvic floor exercises are a healthy and easy way to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. There are various exercises for you to choose from to do this. You can read about the different types of exercises here.
If you find these exercises difficult or unsuccessful, you can ask your GP or a physiotherapist for a pelvic floor rehabilitation programme. This includes training in how to relax your pelvic floor, learning how to massage tight muscles and bowel/bladder training techniques.
There are also a number of simple lifestyle tips that can help you to manage this. It is important to pull your pants and the elastic of your briefs down properly so that both the penis and scrotum are fully exposed when you empty the bladder. Although you may be tempted to stop drinking as much water, it is important to stay hydrated and not irritate your bladder further. Ensure you spread fluid consumption throughout your day to prevent your bladder from becoming overloaded.
As being overweight is a risk factor for post-micturition dribble, it is important to maintain a healthy weight. Carrying excess weight can put additional pressure on your bladder, which weakens the pelvic floor muscles. There is no need to do anything too extreme, as consistent gentle exercise can help this. Eating a balanced diet and staying healthy can be invaluable in treating the symptoms of this.
It is vital to visit a Doctor and ensure there are no underlying reasons that cannot be treated by these methods. Surgery is often indicated for organic problems such as strictures and congenital diverticuli.
You mention that you have had accidents while leaking, therefore it is also important to visit a Doctor for a stress incontinence test.
Would you like some advice on managing these leaks during exercise?
Hi Ev,
Have you tried any of the pelvic floor muscle exercises?
Before exercising, ensure you go to the bathroom to reduce the risk of leakages. It is also vital to stay hydrated during exercising. Although you may think it is worthwhile to not drink any liquid, drinking less will increase the concentration of your urine, making bladder control harder. Try and avoid drinking coffee or citrus drinks before drinking exercising. Wearing black can be useful if you are self-conscious about wearing an incontinence pad or are worried about accidents.
Have you spoken to a physician or specialist about this? A specialist can help determine what type of exercise routine may be best for your circumstance.
