Bedwetting?

When should you see a doctor?

Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is a common problem in children, but can also affect adolescents and, in rare cases, adults. For children and parents, this situation can be very distressing. Nevertheless, many parents do not immediately seek medical help for their child's bedwetting, often out of shame or because it is unclear when a doctor's visit for nocturnal enuresis is appropriate.In this blog, you will learn when it makes sense to see a doctor for bedwetting, what the possible causes are, what to expect at the doctor's office, and how to prepare for it.

What is bedwetting?

Bedwetting means that a child from about five years of age wets the bed at night, or a child from about seven years of age involuntarily wets themselves at least once a month without other physical symptoms.

Two forms of nocturnal enuresis are distinguished:

Primary nocturnal enuresis: The child has never been consistently dry since birth.Secondary nocturnal enuresis: The child was dry for at least six months and then starts wetting again.

Both forms can be distressing and require a different approach. In both cases, it may be advisable to involve the family doctor or pediatrician, especially if the problem persists for a long time.

Why do many people not see a doctor for bedwetting, and when is a doctor's visit advisable?

Many parents have doubts: Is bedwetting a medical problem? Will it go away on its own? And what can a doctor do anyway?

These uncertainties are understandable, but often unfounded. The doctor is an important point of contact for bedwetting, as he or she can clarify or rule out organic causes that might play a role.

Are you unsure whether you should take your child to the doctor for bedwetting? Then ask yourself the following questions:

How often does your child wet the bed at night?
Does the wetting only occur at night or also during the day?
Is it small amounts or larger amounts of urine?
How is the urine stream? Does the child have to strain to urinate, is it interrupted, weak, or does it drip?
Is there constipation or stool problems?
Are there other physical complaints, such as pain during urination or blood in the urine?

Finally, it is important to consider whether your child has experienced stressful events recently, such as the loss of a grandparent or a parental separation. General development and the social environment also play an important role. Does your child have friends at school? Is he or she well integrated into the group?

Bedwetting can be hereditary

We know that bedwetting can run in families. Therefore, it is worth looking at your own family history before visiting the doctor.

Ask yourself the following questions:

At what age were you dry as parents?
Was there bedwetting in grandparents or other family members?
How did daytime toilet training go?

Preparation for the doctor's visit

To give the doctor as accurate a picture as possible, the following information is helpful:

How often does your child urinate during the day?
How much does your child drink and at what times?
Is your child motivated to become dry?

What does the pediatrician do for bedwetting?

The pediatrician usually begins with a detailed conversation with the parents and child. The situation, the frequency of wetting, and possible causes are discussed.

If bedwetting persists, the doctor may recommend a urine or voiding diary to keep track. This documents fluid intake, toilet visits, and nocturnal enuresis. This helps to identify patterns and choose the appropriate therapy.

Depending on the situation, the doctor may suggest different treatments.

Initially, behavioral changes in daily life are in the foreground. These include an even distribution of fluid intake throughout the day, improved toilet training, and fixed routines for going to the toilet in the evening.

The next step usually involves using a bedwetting alarm. This device wakes the child at the first sign of urination, thus supporting bladder control training. This method is also recommended by urologists and can generally be used without medical supervision.

Conclusion

Bedwetting is a common problem that requires time, understanding, and the right approach. Many parents wait too long to seek help, even though the doctor plays an important role in clarifying and treating bedwetting.

Therefore, do not wait too long if your child is affected. A good conversation with the doctor can provide much clarity and be the first step towards calmer and drier nights.

Support for bedwetting

Looking for a proven and effective approach? Then take a look at the innovative Dryly® Bedwetting Alarm and find out how Dryly® supports children and families in overcoming bedwetting step by step.