What is Post-Micturition Dribble?

Post-Micturition Dribble (PMD), also called after-dribble, is the involuntary leakage of urine immediately after finishing urination, often occurring after leaving the toilet or returning to activity. It is caused by residual urine remaining in the urethra that empties only with movement or positional change.

PMD is common, affects men of all ages, and becomes more frequent with age, weak pelvic floor muscles, and prostate-related changes. Australian continence data indicates around 12% of men experience PMD, and approximately 1 in 10 Australian men will experience bladder control issues across their lifetime.

While not harmful, PMD can be frustrating, embarrassing, and disruptive to daily activities — and it is highly treatable with targeted pelvic rehabilitation and simple behavioural strategies.

Symptoms of Post-Micturition Dribble

PMD symptoms are typically straightforward and include:

  • Small drips or a noticeable wet patch in underwear after urination
  • Leakage occurring after leaving the toilet
  • A feeling of incomplete emptying
  • Needing to stay longer at the toilet to try to empty fully
  • Straining or pushing to try to remove the last drops
  • Frequent trips to the bathroom to avoid leakage
  • Occasional urgency or increased frequency

Most men describe PMD as a few “unexpected drops” that appear moments after they think they’ve finished.

How Post-Micturition Dribble is Assessed

Assessment for PMD is simple and focused on the pelvic floor, urethral emptying mechanics, and contributing lifestyle or musculoskeletal factors.
A male pelvic health assessment may include:

  • Pelvic floor muscle strength and relaxation evaluation
  • Assessment of the bulbospongiosus muscle (key for expelling the last drops)
  • Perineal and fascial mobility
  • Abdominal, hip, and lumbar function
  • Bladder habits and toileting patterns
  • Review of fluid intake, bowel function, and irritants
  • Post-prostate surgery or post-treatment urinary function check (where relevant)

Medical review may be recommended when symptoms coexist with slow stream, straining, pain, blood in urine, urgency, or frequent night-time voiding.

Treatment & Recovery

Most men see rapid improvement with targeted pelvic floor rehabilitation, urethral emptying techniques, and behaviour change. Early intervention prevents symptom persistence and restores full urethral emptying control.

Load & Toilet Habit Modification

Key behavioural changes include:

  • Sitting to urinate to fully relax the pelvic floor
  • Waiting a little longer after finishing
  • Avoiding “just in case” urinating
  • Reducing habitual straining or pushing
  • Managing constipation and ongoing cough

These simple changes improve urethral emptying efficiency.

Targeted Exercise & Pelvic Floor Training

PMD is most commonly linked to weakness of the pelvic floor, particularly the bulbocavernosus muscle, whose role is to expel final urine from the urethra. Training includes:

  • Strong post-void pelvic floor contractions
  • Strength and endurance training of pelvic floor muscle groups
  • “Quick flicks” to improve reflexive closure
  • Coordinated relaxation when hypertonicity is present
  • Hip, abdominal, and postural exercises to improve pelvic mechanics

This is the core treatment for resolving PMD.

Urethral Milking Technique

A proven technique recommended by Australian continence guidelines:

  • After urinating, place three fingertips behind the scrotum
  • Apply firm pressure upwards and forwards to express the remaining urine
  • Repeat twice to clear the urethra

This manoeuvre is especially effective when combined with pelvic floor contraction.

Lifestyle & Recovery Support

Addressing pelvic and bladder irritants can greatly improve symptoms:

  • Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and bladder irritants
  • Managing bowel habits
  • Reducing smoking-related coughing
  • Normalising hydration
  • Reducing excessive abdominal bracing in daily tasks and training

When to Seek Help

Book an assessment if you experience:

  • Persistent leakage after urinating
  • Dribbling that worsens over time
  • Slow or hesitant urinary stream
  • Straining to empty
  • Night-time frequency
  • Pain, burning, or blood in the urine
  • PMD following prostate surgery or pelvic trauma

Prompt intervention restores normal function and prevents long-term inconvenience.

Get Support

The Athlete’s Guild provides specialised men’s pelvic health support for PMD using:

  • Pelvic floor muscle training
  • Manual therapy and soft tissue treatment
  • Urethral emptying techniques
  • Exercise programming and mobility work
  • Behaviour and toileting retraining
  • Post-prostatectomy rehabilitation (where relevant)

Book with Trent Renshaw at Coffs Coast Sports Physiotherapy for a personalised, respectful and evidence-informed approach to improving bladder control and confidence.

Book Now at Coffs Coast Sports Physiotherapy

Key Takeaways

  • PMD is common, affecting around 12% of men.
  • Weak pelvic floor muscles are the most common cause.
  • Behaviour changes and urethral milking are highly effective.
  • Pelvic floor training produces reliable, long-term improvements.
  • Most men experience quick, significant improvement with targeted care.