Urethral milking can help some men eliminate small amounts of urine that remain in the urethra after urination. The technique is not necessary or effective for everyone and does not replace medical evaluation when dribbling is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms.

A common experience among men is finishing urination, tucking the penis into their underwear and noticing, shortly afterwards, that a few drops of urine have ended up wetting the undergarment. This situation can occur even when the urinary stream seems to have finished and there is a feeling that the bladder has emptied completely.

Although it does not always represent a health problem, it can cause discomfort, stains on underwear and concern, especially when it happens frequently.

Why do these drops appear? And how to avoid urine stains in underwear?

This phenomenon is known as post-micturition dribbling and is characterized by the release of small amounts of urine after the end of urination. One way to reduce these losses is through a technique known as urethral milking.

Learn about some possible causes of post-micturition dribbling and some measures that can help reduce the symptom. If the problem persists, seek medical evaluation.

Why do some drops of urine escape after urinating?

Post-micturition dribbling occurs when a small amount of urine remains in the urethra – the channel that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

The end of the urinary stream does not necessarily mean that all the urine present in the urethra has been expelled. In men, a small amount of urine can become trapped in an area of the urethra located below the pelvis and subsequently be released, especially when the man moves or adjusts his clothing.

Post-micturition dribbling may be associated with changes in the function of the pelvic floor muscles, which are important for expelling residual urine present in the urethra.

However, there are other factors that can contribute to the symptom, so its origin should be evaluated individually when the losses are persistent.

How to avoid urine stains in underwear?

Men who often find small urine stains on their underwear after going to the bathroom can adopt some measures to reduce post-micturition dribbling.

The measures below may help some men deal with small leaks after urination and maintain hygiene, and may also help with how to avoid urine stains in underwear, but they do not guarantee the complete elimination of residual urine:

Urinate without rushing

One of the first precautions is to avoid finishing urination hastily.

After the urinary stream stops, wait a few moments before tucking the penis into your underwear . This small interval allows you to notice if there are still drops of urine coming out.

Perform urethral milking

Urethral milking is a technique that can help remove the small amount of urine that remains in the urethra after urination.

The technique may involve a gentle pressure in the perineal area, between the scrotum and the anus, followed by a movement toward the base of the penis, according to proper guidance. It can reduce dribbling in some cases, but should be stopped if it causes pain, discomfort or worsening of symptoms.

It is important to perform the movement gently, without causing pain or discomfort.

Clean the penis

After finishing urination and performing urethral milking, check if there are still drops of urine coming out.

Use toilet paper to gently dry the tip of the penis before tucking it into your underwear.

How can urethral milking be performed?

The urologist Dr. Paulo Egydio demonstrates, in the following video, how to avoid urine stains in underwear when performing urethral milking to help eliminate urine that may remain in the urethral canal after voiding.

When indicated and performed without causing pain, urethral milking can be useful for some men. However, it does not necessarily eliminate dribbling, especially when other associated urinary changes are present.

Therefore, if the losses persist despite these precautions, it may be necessary to investigate other factors that are contributing to the problem.

When does post-void dribbling warrant attention? — how to avoid urine stains in underwear

Losing a few drops of urine after voiding does not necessarily mean there is a health condition. However, it is important to seek guidance from a urologist when the dribbling begins to interfere with well-being or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• More frequent or heavier dribbling;
• Difficulty starting to urinate;
• Weak or interrupted urine stream;
• Need to strain during urination;
• Sensation of incomplete bladder emptying;
• Burning or pain when urinating;
• Presence of blood in the urine.

It is important to distinguish post-void dribbling from urinary incontinence. Although both involve urine loss as a symptom, incontinence can manifest during physical effort or in response to a sudden, intense urge to urinate.

Post-void dribbling should also not be automatically associated with prostate diseases. Different changes in the urinary tract can cause similar symptoms and deserve medical evaluation.

In addition, it is important to emphasize that a sudden inability to urinate, accompanied by intense abdominal pain, requires urgent medical assistance.

When to consult a urologist because of post-void dribbling (how to avoid urine stains in underwear)

If drops of urine after voiding are frequent, cause discomfort, or are accompanied by other urinary changes, even after adopting the measures presented, it is important to seek guidance from a urologist.

Medical evaluation makes it possible to investigate the origin of the problem and determine whether there is any alteration that requires follow-up. Understanding the cause of post-void dribbling is the first step to finding appropriate treatment, if necessary, and to knowing which measures can help preserve comfort and urinary health.