Why is enuresis more common in boys

Many kids who wet the bed are very deep sleepers. For most, urinating while sleeping is the only symptom. Bedwetting is not a mental or behavior problem. A number of things can cause bedwetting. Some of the more common causes include:. Children achieve bladder control at different ages. If a child is younger than 5 years of age, treatment for bedwetting is not necessary. Bedwetting up to that time is not unusual, even though it may be frustrating to parents.

Call your family doctor if:. Most children who wet the bed are healthy. He or she will do a physical exam and probably a urine test to check for infection or diabetes. Your doctor may also ask about how things are going at home and at school for your child. But studies have shown that children who wet the bed are not more emotionally upset than other children.

Your doctor might also ask about your family life, because treatment may depend on changes at home. Enuresis cannot be prevented or avoided. It tends to run in families. Most children outgrow bedwetting without treatment. However, you and your doctor may decide your child needs treatment. There are 2 kinds of treatment: behavior therapy and medicine. Behavior therapy helps teach your child not to wet the bed.

Some behavioral treatments you can try at home include:. Your doctor may give your child medicine. This usually only happens if your child is 7 years of age or older and behavior therapy has not worked. Medicines are not a cure for bedwetting. One kind of medicine helps the bladder hold more urine. The other kind helps the kidneys make less urine. These medicines may have side effects, such as dry mouth and flushing of the cheeks.

Bedwetting can lead to behavior problems because a child may feel guilt and embarrassment. He or she could do this by helping with the laundry.

It may help your child to know that no one knows the exact cause of bedwetting. Explain that it tends to run in families. If you wet the bed as a child, you should share that information with your child. Place nightlights leading to the bathroom so your child can easily find his or her way.

If accidents occur, praise your child for trying and for helping clean up. Last Updated: December 2, Working with a therapist can help your child cope with life changes or other stress.

Don't scold or blame them. It has many possible causes. These include anxiety, constipation, genes, and caffeine. These include changes in fluid intake, reducing caffeine, and urinating on a schedule. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you for your child. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child.

Also know what the side effects are. Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure. If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice. Search Encyclopedia. Urinary Incontinence Enuresis in Children What is enuresis in children? There are 4 types of enuresis. A child may have 1 or more of these types: Nighttime nocturnal enuresis. What causes enuresis in a child?

How is enuresis diagnosed in a child? Tell the healthcare provider: If other family members have had enuresis How often your child urinates during the day How much your child drinks in the evening If your child has symptoms such as pain or burning when urinating If the urine is dark or cloudy or has blood in it If your child is constipated If your child has had recent stress in their life The healthcare provider may give your child a physical exam.

How is enuresis treated in a child? These include: Changes in fluid intake. What are possible complications of enuresis in children? Possible problems from enuresis can include: Emotional stress and embarrassment Skin rash from wet underwear How can I help my child live with enuresis?

Make sure your child is not teased by family or friends. Keep in mind that many children outgrow enuresis. Have a change of clothes on hand while out and about. Soggy sheets and pajamas — and an embarrassed child — are a familiar scene in many homes. But don't despair. Bed-wetting isn't a sign of toilet training gone bad. It's often just a normal part of a child's development. Generally, bed-wetting before age 7 isn't a concern. At this age, your child may still be developing nighttime bladder control.

If bed-wetting continues, treat the problem with patience and understanding. Lifestyle changes, bladder training, moisture alarms and sometimes medication may help reduce bed-wetting. Most kids are fully toilet trained by age 5, but there's really no target date for developing complete bladder control. Between the ages of 5 and 7, bed-wetting remains a problem for some children. After 7 years of age, a small number of children still wet the bed. Most children outgrow bed-wetting on their own — but some need a little help.

In other cases, bed-wetting may be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention. Bed-wetting can affect anyone, but it's twice as common in boys as in girls. Several factors have been associated with an increased risk of bed-wetting, including:. Although frustrating, bed-wetting without a physical cause doesn't pose any health risks. However, bed-wetting can create some issues for your child, including:.