After Dribble

Few men admit to having this problem but a great many suffer from it and are often badly embarrassed by it. Men at all ages can be affected.

After-dribble means the loss of a few drops of urine after the main stream, when the bladder appears to be empty. The medical term for this condition is post micturation dribbling.

It usually happens just as the penis is being replaced and garments rearranged, and ends up with trousers getting wet and stained. Some men find that, despite waiting and shaking, it remains a problem.

What is happening is that the urethra (the tube leading from the bladder to the tip of the penis) is not being emptied completely by the muscle surrounding it.  A "sump" of urine pools at a low point in the urethra

ways of dealing with this problem: is to push the last few drops of urine from the urethra with the fingers before the final shake.

The technique is as follows:

    * After passing urine, wait for a few seconds to allow the bladder to empty.

    * Place the fingertips of the left hand three finger-breadths behind the scrotum and apply gentle pressure.

    * Keeping the pressure in the midline, gently but positively draw the fingers forwards towards the base of the penis under the scrotum.
    * This pushes the urine forward into the penile urethra from where it can be emptied by shaking or squeezing in the usual way.
    * Before leaving the toilet, repeat the maneuver twice to ensure that the urethra is completely empty.

This technique can be practiced at home. When in public toilets it can be done discreetly, with a hand inside a trouser pocket. It only takes a few seconds and will avoid the problem of stained trousers.

If after-dribble is associated with other urinary problems, for example delay or difficulty in emptying the bladder , or frequency or urgency , please consult your doctor or continence advisor.