After-dribble

Feeling confident and comfortable after using the toilet is an important part of everyday wellbeing.

Sometimes a small amount of urine (wee) may leak after you’ve finished going to the toilet – this is called after-dribble or post-micturition incontinence.

It’s more common in men* and can happen when the bladder doesn’t fully empty.

After-dribble can happen when the muscles around the urethra (the tube that carries urine (wee) from the bladder out of the body) squeeze around the tube so it’s blocked. This can leave some urine (wee) behind, which may leak out later.

This may be linked to:

• an enlarged prostate
• weakened pelvic floor muscles
• other health issues.

* References to ‘men’ or ‘women’ include anyone with similar health needs, regardless of sex at birth or gender identity. Read our Gender inclusivity statement.

What can help reduce after-dribble

There are simple steps that may help reduce after-dribble:

• try sitting down to pass urine (wee) on the toilet – this can help with emptying fully
• use gentle pressure. After urinating (weeing), place your fingers behind the scrotum where you can feel a soft area, and gently press upwards and forwards. This can help move any remaining urine along the urethra (wee tube). Then shake or squeeze the penis as usual.

When to seek support for after-dribble

It’s important to speak with a nurse continence specialist, pelvic health physiotherapist or GP (doctor) if you experience after-dribble along with any of the following:

• finding it hard to start passing urine (wee)
• straining to empty your bladder (do a wee)
• a slow or weak urine (wee) stream
• feeling a sudden, urgent need to go
• burning or discomfort when passing urine (wee)
• blood in the urine
• waking up more than once during the night to go to the toilet
• changing your daily routine because of bladder or bowel concerns.

There are effective ways to help manage changes to bladder control, and support is available.

What you can do next

Call the National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66) to talk to a nurse continence specialist about ways to manage after-dribble. They may suggest you see a GP or a pelvic health physiotherapist.

Learn about pelvic floor exercises for men

This content has been reviewed by sub­ject mat­ter experts in line with Continence Health Australia’s established process. Read about our clinical content review protocol.