After urinating, men should take a moment to ensure the urethra is completely empty to prevent dribbling. Here's a breakdown of what to do:
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Wait a few seconds: Allow a short pause for any remaining urine to descend.
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Apply pressure (the "milking" technique): Place your fingers behind the scrotum and gently apply pressure upwards towards the base of the penis. This helps to straighten the urethra and push out any trapped urine.
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Gentle stroking and lifting: While applying pressure, gently lift and stroke the penis outwards to encourage the remaining urine to exit.
Why is this important?
Leaving urine in the urethra can lead to:
- Post-micturition dribble: This is the involuntary leakage of urine after urination.
- Hygiene concerns: Residual urine can lead to unpleasant odors and potential skin irritation.
- Potential UTI risk: Although rare, residual urine could potentially increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
In summary, taking a few extra seconds to gently "milk" the urethra after urinating helps ensure complete emptying and prevents dribbling.
