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What is Double Voiding?

Published in Bladder Management Technique 3 mins read

Double voiding is a practical technique designed to help individuals fully empty their bladder when they experience incomplete urination. This method is particularly useful for those whose bladder does not empty completely with a single attempt, leading to a quick return of the urge to urinate or more frequent bathroom visits than desired.

Why is Double Voiding Used?

When the bladder doesn't empty entirely, a residual amount of urine remains. This can cause several issues:

  • Frequent Urination: The remaining urine can trigger the sensation of needing to go again very soon after the initial void.
  • Increased Urgency: Individuals may feel a strong, sudden urge to urinate more frequently than usual.
  • Potential Complications: Over time, incomplete bladder emptying can contribute to issues like urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to urine sitting in the bladder for too long.

Double voiding aims to mitigate these problems by encouraging a more thorough bladder emptying process.

How to Perform Double Voiding

This technique involves a simple, two-step approach to ensure maximum bladder emptying:

  1. First Void: Sit comfortably on the toilet and urinate as you normally would, without straining. Allow the flow to finish completely.
  2. Wait and Re-attempt: Instead of immediately leaving the toilet, remain seated for about 20 to 30 seconds. During this time, try to relax your pelvic floor muscles. You can also lean forward slightly with your forearms resting on your thighs, which can help reposition the bladder for better emptying. After the brief wait, gently attempt to urinate again. You may be surprised by how much more urine you can pass.

Benefits of Double Voiding

  • Improved Bladder Emptying: The primary benefit is a more complete emptying of the bladder, reducing the amount of residual urine.
  • Reduced Urgency and Frequency: By emptying more fully, the need to urinate again soon after is minimized, leading to longer intervals between bathroom visits.
  • Enhanced Comfort: Less residual urine can lead to a greater sense of relief and comfort.
  • Lower Risk of Complications: A more empty bladder may reduce the risk of urinary stasis, which is a contributing factor to UTIs.

Who Can Benefit?

Double voiding is often recommended for individuals experiencing:

  • Symptoms of incomplete bladder emptying.
  • Frequent urges to urinate shortly after voiding.
  • Overactive bladder symptoms that are related to residual urine.
  • Certain neurological conditions or pelvic floor dysfunctions that affect bladder emptying.

It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or continence specialist, to determine if double voiding is the right technique for your specific condition and to receive personalized guidance.