Question
Last week, my husband got up and went to the bathroom to urinate and while there, he fainted. This is not the first time this has happened. His doctor suggested he might have something called micturition syncope. What causes this?
Answer
Micturition syncope is fainting during or immediately after urination due to a severe drop in blood pressure. It is most common in older men and usually occurs in the morning. People with this problem may have fainting at other times as well.
The exact cause of micturition syncope isn't fully understood. But it may be related to a drop in blood pressure that normally occurs at night, at quiet standing, in a warm environment, while straining to increase the flow of urine, or at the rapid emptying of a full bladder. Other medical conditions and medications also may contribute to a decrease in blood pressure.
Micturition syncope is rare and should be evaluated by a doctor. Prevention of micturition syncope depends on recognizing the precipitating circumstances and avoiding them. If your husband recognizes the symptoms, he may be able to alleviate the drop in blood pressure by crossing his legs in a scissors fashion. But if he experiences frequent fainting, it is probably best for him to sit down to urinate.
Last Updated: 05/17/2007
