Leaking Urine When Standing Up After Using The Bathroom
Leaking urine when standing up after using the bathroom, also known as post-urination dribble, happens when a small amount of urine remains in the urethra after urinating and is released upon standing. This article explains why it happens, common underlying causes, and when it may be a sign that further evaluation is needed.
The article discusses contributing factors including pelvic floor muscle tension or weakness, bladder prolapse, menopause, urinary tract infections, enlarged prostate, and incomplete bladder emptying. It also outlines simple strategies that may improve emptying and explains how pelvic floor physical therapy can help identify and treat the underlying cause.
Whether symptoms are occasional or persistent, understanding the reason behind post-urination dribble is the first step toward effective treatment and improved bladder control.
Why Urine Leakage Happens After Using the Bathroom
Leaking urine after using the bathroom, or post-urination dribble, can happen when a few drops of urine get trapped in the urethra. After you finish peeing, once you stand up, those remaining trapped drops come out. This condition can affect both men and women. Sometimes this is due to not completely emptying when using the bathroom. It can also be caused by pelvic floor muscle tension or weakness, bladder prolapse, urinary tract infections or an enlarged prostate. Pelvic floor physical therapy can help to determine the cause of the leaking and help improve it.
Common Causes of Leaking When Standing Up After Using The Bathroom
Pelvic floor tension
Decreased pelvic floor strength
Incomplete bladder emptying
Bladder prolapse
Urinary tract infections
Enlarged prostate
Side effect of certain medications
Decreased estrogen due to menopause
Pelvic Floor Muscle Tension or Weakness
Pelvic floor muscle tension can cause leaking urine when standing up after using the bathroom. A pelvic floor physical therapy visit can help determine if you have pelvic floor tension. When we decide to use the bathroom, our bladder has its own muscle that contracts, our pelvic floor muscles relax and urine comes out. If we have excess pelvic floor muscle tension, the muscles cannot fully relax making it difficult to empty. This can cause urine to leak out when we stand up from the toilet.
Pelvic floor muscle weakness can also cause leaking urine when standing up after using the bathroom. If the pelvic floor muscles are weak it may be harder to control the flow of urine. Pelvic floor muscle weakness can also contribute to prolapse which would then put more pressure on the urethra. This can cause difficulty completing emptying as well.
Bladder Prolapse
Prolapse is the descent of one of the organs in the pelvic bowl. Bladder prolapse can lead to urinary symptoms such as leaking, increased urgency, increased frequency or leaking urine after standing up from using the bathroom. Bladder prolapse can happen because of childbirth, increased weight, age-related changes, chronic straining/coughing or connective tissue disorders. It is very common after giving birth. The increased pressure of the bladder on the urethra can cause incomplete emptying or post-urination dribble. Conservative treatment options for prolapse include pelvic floor physical therapy and a removable device called a pessary.
Menopausal Changes
During perimenopause and menopause, decreased estrogen can cause decreased integrity of the passive structures (ligaments) that support the pelvic organs. This can lead to increased leaking. If you are noticing more leaking and you may be perimenopausal or menopausal, hormone replacement therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy can help.
Urinary Tract Infection and Prostate-Related Factors
Other conditions that can cause leaking after standing up from using the bathroom include an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract infection. An enlarged prostate can put more pressure on the bladder and urethra leading to incomplete emptying. Similarly, a urinary tract infection can irritate the urethra and bladder also causing similar issues.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you are experiencing leaking urine when standing up after using the bathroom on a regular basis, it is time to seek help from a medical professional. Seeking the help of a pelvic floor therapist or a urologist can help resolve leaking when standing up after using the bathroom. A urologist can help rule out infection or other causes for the leaking. A pelvic floor physical therapist can assess the pelvic floor muscles and other factors (constipation, prolapse, etc) that may be contributing.
Treatment Options and Strategies
In pelvic floor therapy, we recommend certain strategies to help prevent leaking when standing up after using the bathroom.
One strategy is to take a few belly breaths after you finish peeing. Whenever we inhale, our pelvic floor naturally lengthens or relaxes. This can help any remaining drops of urine come out as this is what happens when we sit down to pee. The pelvic floor muscles relax when we start peeing also.
Another strategy if the deep breaths do not work is to something called double voiding. After we finish using the bathroom, we stand up and then sit back down.
Lastly, we can also try to wiggle our hips or do pelvic circles on the toilet after finishing using the bathroom. Usually, one of these strategies helps us completely empty and let out any remaining drops.
While these strategies will help with complete emptying, it is still important to get evaluated by a pelvic floor physical therapist. This will help you better understand the cause of your leaking. Here at Take Flight Physical therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy includes a comprehensive treatment plan specifically designed for you and your life.
Lifestyle Changes That May Help
Increasing physical activity
Strengthening pelvic floor and core muscles
Losing weight
Eliminating constipation
Decreasing bladder irritants
Stopping smoking
These strategies may all help decrease leaking. It is best to work with a pelvic floor physical therapist to figure out precisely what you need to work on to best improve your unique situation.
Where To Find Leaking Treatment and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in Queens, NYC
If you are experiencing leaking urine after using the bathroom symptoms, help is available! Pelvic floor physical therapy is the gold standard treatment for this condition. If you are in the Forest Hills, Queens, NYC area and you are looking for help today, reach out to us! Give us a call or fill out our contact form today!
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