Aug 20, 2025
Ever noticed a wet spot in your underwear after peeing? Sometimes, it could make you wonder if something serious is going on in your body.
It may well be a condition called post-micturition dribble (PMD), and it can be frustrating. You're not alone, as studies show anywhere from 8.7% to 63% of men experience it, too.1
Let's explore exactly what those leaks mean; including their causes and how to manage them.
What Is Post-Micturition Dribble (PMD)?
PMD or urinary dribbles mean a few drops of urine stain your clothing after peeing because some remains in your urethra.1,2 It may happen while you're pulling up your underwear or as you’re leaving the toilet.1
Although PMD causes leaks, it not because of stress on the bladder, and it's different from terminal dribble, which is the few drops at the end of your urine stream.3
These leaks can feel embarrassing and affect all age groups and genders, but it's more common in men, and few talk about it.3
PMD vs Other Forms of Incontinence
While PMD is a type of urinary incontinence in men,4 it differs from others as it's not caused by bladder issues.3
Here's a guide to help you tell them apart:
| Incontinence type | Timing | Cause | Symptom pattern |
|---|---|---|---|
|
PMD |
Right after peeing.1 |
Weakness of the pelvic muscles around the urethra.3 |
Leaks after you pee.1 |
|
After daily actions like sneezing.5 |
A weak pelvic floor and added pressure on the bladder.5 |
Leaks after you sneeze, laugh or cough.5 |
|
|
Before reaching the toilet.5 |
Overactive bladder muscles.6 |
Leaks occur after you feel a sudden, intense urge to pee.5 |
|
|
Overflow incontinence |
Once the bladder can’t hold anymore pee.5 |
The bladder doesn’t empty fully.5 |
Frequent leaks.7 |
What Causes Post-Micturition Dribble in Men?
There are several reasons why you may experience dribbling after peeing they include:
Weak Pelvic Floor Muscles
When your pelvic floor muscles are weak, they can't provide the pressure your urethra needs to fully empty, which can lead to leaks.8
You might have weak pelvic floor muscles due to:
- Enlarged prostate surgery3
- Straining during bowel movements, especially with constipation3
- Being overweight3
- Chronic coughing (like smoker's cough)3
- Regular heavy lifting3
- Aging9
- Brain damage 3
Urethral Trapping of Urine
If your pelvic floor muscles don’t put enough pressure on the urethra as you pee, some urine can stay behind.10 Later, this leftover urine may leak out, leading to dribbles.10
Enlarged Prostate and PMD
An enlarged prostate can put pressure on your bladder and squeeze the urethra, making it harder for you to fully empty your bladder.2 When urine stays behind, it can later leak out as dribbles.2
Other Factors That Could Cause PMD
Apart from weakened pelvic floor muscles, trapped urine and prostate problems, there are other factors that could cause PMD. They include:
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke11
- Post-void habits like forgetting to milk out urine1
- Obesity11
Who Is Most at Risk?
Here are some factors that could put you at risk for PMD:
Age-Related Muscle Weakness
As you get older, your pelvic floor muscles, like many other muscles, may weaken.9 Weaker pelvic floor muscles can't fully support the urethra when you pee, which increases your risk for PMD.10
Men with Prostate Conditions
Prostate surgery for conditions like prostate cancer or benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)12 can lead to male bladder leaks.13 Incontinence after prostate surgery, like PMD, can happen when urine gets stuck where the prostate used to be, leading to dribbles.13
Lifestyle and Health Factors
Lifestyle and health factors that weaken the pelvic floor, like obesity, chronic constipation, and heavy lifting, could increase your risk for PMD.2,3
Other factors include:1
- Gender
- Heavy smoking
- Diabetes
Keen to exercise more but not sure how to do it leak-fee? We’ve got you! Learn more about exercising with urinary leakage for men.
How Is PMD Diagnosed?
Before diagnosing PMD, your urologist will review your medical history, including: 14
- Symptom patterns, like when leaks happen and how often.
- Lifestyle habits, like your diet.
- Past or ongoing health conditions.
They may also do tests like:14
- Urinalysis: To check for infections.
- Ask you to keep a bladder diary: To track your fluid intake, peeing schedule, and leaks.
- Uroflowmetry (part of urodynamic tests): To measure the pressure and flow of your urine.
- Post-void residual measurement: To see how much urine stays in your bladder after you pee.
Treatment Options for Post-Micturition Dribble
Pelvic Floor Muscle Exercises (Kegels)
Pelvic floor exercises can help reduce post-urination leakage especially if your pelvic floor muscles are weak.8 They work by strengthening these muscles through regular engagement.8
Here are some tips on pelvic floor muscles exercises for men:15
- Get comfortable and relax your thigh muscles, buttocks, and stomach.
- Try to tighten the muscles around your anus (as if you’re stopping gas) without tensing your thighs, buttocks, or stomach.
- Then try to take your penis into your body (like trying to shorten it) while lifting your scrotum towards your belly button.
If done correctly, you may feel a slight dip at the base of your penis and notice your scrotum move slightly.15 Don’t worry if it feels tricky, a physiotherapist can guide you if needed.
Medical or Surgical Interventions
In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend medical or surgical treatments to help treat urinary dribble.
Medications may also be an option when other methods aren't enough.11 Always consult your doctor about these.
Managing and Living with PMD
While PMD can be embarrassing and cause social discomfort, you don’t have to let it take over your life. Here are some ways to manage the everyday leaks that come with PMD.
Practical Tips for Reducing Dribble
Here are some behavioral and lifestyle changes you could make to help with dribbling after urination:
- Try sitting down when you pee; it allows your pelvic floor to relax, helping with emptying.16
- Wait for a while after peeing to make sure it's all out.16
- Stop smoking to prevent smoker’s cough, which weakens your pelvic floor.16
- Prevent and manage constipation to avoid straining.14
- Stay hydrated to support healthy bladder function.14
- Try milking out (gently pressing from behind the scrotum forward after peeing); this can help remove any remaining urine. 16
- Use male incontinence products to catch leaks.
Want to add some bladder-friendly foods to your diet, and know which foods to avoid? Learn about the best and worst foods for overactive bladder.
Choosing the Right Male Incontinence Product
Male incontinence products offer discreet protection to help catch those dribbles, keeping you dry, comfortable, and confident. Some options to try include:
- Male Incontinence Guards: Slim, discreet, lightly absorbent for minor leaks.
- Male Incontinence Shields: Offer extra protection with a comfortable, low-bulk fit.
- Male Incontinence Underwear: High absorbency with a regular underwear look and feel.
Here are some helpful guides for men to help with incontinence pads:
You may have heard about natural remedies for incontinence. But do they work? Find out in our article about home remedies for male incontinence.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
It's a good time to talk to your doctor when:11
- The leaks start affecting your daily life.
- You notice new symptoms, such as blood in your urine.
- You have trouble emptying your bladder.
Doctors are trained to handle these situations professionally, so don’t hesitate to make the call.
References
1. Albakr A, Walid El Ansari, Mahdi M, Heba Megahed, Lock M, Arafa M, et al. Postmicturition dribble in men with no previous urogenital surgery: Systematic review and meta‐analysis of treatment modalities. Neurourology and Urodynamics. 2023 Nov 30;43(7).
2. Werett A. Urine Dribble: Is It a Normal Occurrence? | MedShun [Internet]. Medshun.com. 2025 [cited 2025 Jun 11]. Available from: https://medshun.com/article/is-urine-dribble-normal
3. Post Micturition Dribble (PMD) [Internet]. Bladder & Bowel Community. 2017. Available from: https://www.bladderandbowel.org/bladder/bladder-conditions-and-symptoms/post-micturition-dribble/
4. Varner D. Types of Male Incontinence [Internet]. Tena.us. TENA US Store; 2024 [cited 2025 Jun 11]. Available from: https://shop.tena.us/blogs/support-and-advice/types-and-causes-of-male-incontinence
6. WebMD Editorial Contributor. Types of Urinary Incontinence [Internet]. WebMD. 2024. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/types-of-urinary-incontinence
7. Cleveland Clinic. Urge Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2021. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22161-urge-incontinence
8. Cleveland Clinic. Overflow Incontinence: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2024. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22162-overflow-incontinence
9. Edward Calleja. Pelvic floor exercises can improve urinary dribbling [Internet]. Edwardcalleja.com. 2024 [cited 2025 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.edwardcalleja.com/blog-posts/pelvic-floor-exercises-can-improve-urinary-dribbling
10. Jaime Osnato. Why Your Pelvic Floor Weakens as You Age, and What to Do about It [Internet]. Livestrong.com. 2021 [cited 2025 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.livestrong.com/article/13768009-weak-pelvic-floor-causes/
11. Every H. Post Micturition Dribble -Men [Internet]. 2021 Oct. Available from: https://www.esht.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/0947.pdf
12. Post Micturition Dribbling [Internet]. healthwire.pk. 2025 [cited 2025 Jun 11]. Available from: https://healthwire.pk/diseases/post-micturition-dribbling
13. Pietrangelo A. What You Need to Know About Prostate Surgery (Prostatectomy) [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2016 [cited 2025 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/prostate-surgery#when-its-needed
14. Factsheet: Bladder Control after a Prostate Operation [Internet]. 2014 Jan. Available from: https://www.bladderandbowel.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/BBC004_Bladder-control-after-prostate-op.pdf
15. Angela Breslin, RN. The Ultimate Guide to Managing Urine Dribbling [Internet]. Promed-dme.com. 2024 [cited 2025 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.promed-dme.com/resource/dribbling-urine
16. Pelvic Floor Exercises for Men [Internet]. 2016 Jun [cited 2025 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.bladderandbowel.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/BBC030_Pelvic-Floor-Men.pdf
17. Scale S at. Six Ways to Stop the Leak Caused by Post Micturition Dribble (PMD) | Sydney Pelvic Clinic [Internet]. Sydney Pelvic Clinic. 2022 [cited 2025 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.sydneypelvicclinic.com.au/six-ways-to-stop-the-leak-caused-by-post-micturition-dribble-pmd/
