Micturition syncope
Micturition syncope or post-micturition syncope is the name given to the human phenomenon of fainting shortly after or during urination. The underlying cause is not fully understood, but it may be a result of vasovagal response, postural hypotension, or a combination thereof.
People often become pale, lightheaded, nauseated, sweaty and weak before they lose consciousness. Sometimes defecating, coughing, or severe vomiting may cause fainting in a similar way.
Causes
When one strains to increase the flow of urine, it stimulates the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve stimulus causes slowing down of the heart and a drop in blood pressure. The heart cannot perform effectively as a pump because insufficient blood comes to it. It can be associated with a very rare tumour known as a paraprostatic pheochromocytoma within the urinary bladder.Treatment
There is no specific treatment for micturition syncope. General advice to men with micturition syncope includes:- to sit while urinating
- to sit on the edge of the bed for a while before getting up and going to the toilet
- to avoid urinating while sleepy
- to urinate before sleep
- to stop urination, cross the legs, and flex them immediately upon feeling faintness