What is double voiding?

Double voiding is the practice of urinating twice in a short period of time, usually within a few minutes of each other. It is a common clinical practice for certain groups of patients, including those with urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), although the evidence base for its universal application is lacking.

The premise behind double voiding is that it helps ensure better emptying of the bladder, particularly in cases where individuals experience difficulty completely voiding at once. It is believed that waiting a short period of time after the initial urination allows for the collection of additional urine in the bladder, which can then be expelled with the second attempt at voiding.

Double voiding is commonly utilized in some clinical settings, such as pre-operative procedures, to ensure that the bladder is completely empty prior to surgery. However, its benefits in the general population or in specific groups of patients with certain conditions are not always well-supported by research.

While some studies have suggested that double voiding may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections in some individuals, others have found no significant impact or mixed results. Similarly, the effectiveness of double voiding for urinary incontinence or BPH is not consistently demonstrated across all studies.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to practice double voiding should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering the individual's specific circumstances, medical history, and symptoms.