Postmicturition Dribble: A Physiological Phenomenon?

Abstract

Background: Postmicturition dribble (PMD) is a common condition in the male population.

Objectives: Despite its common occurrence, there are only a few studies on this topic so far. The aim of this study was to investigate possible physiological aspects of PMD.

Method: Seventeen men complaining of PMD and 10 healthy subjects were assessed via uroflometry, IPSS questionnaire, IIEF-5 questionnaire, and an adapted visual analogue scale (VAS) for ejaculation force -(0-10) and the amount of bother concerning PMD (0-10) were completed. In addition to that, a retrograde urethrography at 40 and 60 cm water column as pressure unit to measure the width of the bulbar urethra was performed, and the amount of PMD was measured with an adjusted pad test.

Results: The PMD group showed a significantly worse IPSS score, a lower Qmax rate in uroflowmetry, a worse IIEF-5 score, and a worse VAS score concerning ejaculation force. In both groups, worse IPSS levels correlated with a low bulbar urethral diameter at 40 and 60 cm water column. -Another correlation was found between a high maximum urine flow rate and a larger bulbar urethral diameter at 40 and 60 cm. Both groups showed urine loss after micturition, with no bother (VAS 0) in the control group, whereas the PMD group showed a VAS of 6.

Conclusions: PMD should be regarded as a physiological occurrence in men rather than a disease by itself. Suffering is only to be expected in combination with other lower urinary tract symptoms.

Keywords: Age; Lower urinary tract symptoms; Men; Physiological phenomenon; Postmicturition dribble.