Leaking urine after going to the toilet

A small leak shortly after standing or walking away can happen when urine remains in the urethra. A weak stream, hesitancy, straining, stopping and starting, or a feeling that the bladder is still full suggests incomplete emptying. Urgency, frequent visits and leakage before reaching the toilet point to a different pattern. Burning, cloudy urine, lower abdominal discomfort or fever can occur with a urinary tract infection. These symptoms do not establish a diagnosis on their own.

Allow time to empty without pushing or straining. After finishing, pause, relax, and try again if you still feel full; men may find gentle pressure behind the scrotum toward the base of the penis helps move trapped drops forward. Avoid repeated forceful squeezing. Note timing, stream changes, urgency, drinks and leakage. A clinician may review medicines, examine you and test urine. See [Urinary Incontinence](/symptoms/urinary-incontinence/) for the wider symptom pattern.

Seek urgent medical help if you cannot pass urine, have severe lower abdominal pain, or feel increasingly unwell. Arrange prompt advice for fever, chills, back pain, blood in the urine, burning, or new confusion. Book a routine appointment if dribbling continues, the stream becomes weaker, you wake often to urinate, or leakage affects daily life.

Could urine be remaining after I finish? Do I need a urine test or a bladder scan? Could any medicine be affecting my flow? Which changes in stream or pain should be treated urgently?