From the Guidelines
Double voiding is a technique where a person urinates, waits a few minutes, and then attempts to urinate again to ensure complete bladder emptying, which can be particularly useful for children with increased post-void residuals, as recommended in the management of dysfunctional voiding 1. This technique is aimed at optimizing bladder emptying efficiency, improving sensation of bladder fullness, and contractility.
- The goal of double voiding is to prevent incomplete bladder emptying, which can lead to urinary tract infections, as seen in children with detrusor underactivity and/or overactivity 1.
- To practice double voiding, a person can urinate normally, wait for 1-2 minutes, and then try to urinate again, which can be done at least in the morning and at night, especially for children with increased post-void residuals 1.
- Double voiding works by giving the bladder muscles additional time to contract and push out residual urine that may have been left behind during the initial void, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.
- It is essential to monitor the results of double voiding with regular voiding charts, uroflowmetry, and measurement of post-void residuals, as well as the perception of bladder sensation, to ensure its effectiveness in improving bladder emptying efficiency 1.
- In some cases, double voiding may need to be combined with other treatments, such as addressing bowel dysfunction or using antibiotic prophylaxis for recurrent urinary tract infections, to achieve optimal results 1.
From the Research
Definition and Purpose of Double Voiding
- Double voiding, also known as double urination, is a technique where an individual urinates twice in a short period, usually within a few minutes of the first voiding 2.
- The purpose of double voiding is to ensure that the bladder is completely emptied, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections and other complications 2, 3.
Benefits and Applications
- Double voiding has been shown to reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections in patients with double J stents after kidney transplantation 2.
- This technique can also be beneficial for patients with residual urine and/or recurrent urinary tract infections, as it helps to empty the bladder more effectively 3.
- Double voiding may be recommended for patients with certain medical conditions, such as detrusor underactivity, to help improve bladder emptying and reduce symptoms 4.
Instructions and Variations
- The technique of double voiding typically involves urinating, then waiting for a short period (usually 1-5 minutes) before urinating again 2, 3.
- Some studies suggest that triple voiding, where the individual urinates three times in a short period, may also be effective in reducing residual urine and preventing urinary tract infections 3.
- Patients may be instructed to use abdominal straining or manual suprapubic expression to help empty the bladder more completely 3.