Wave Therapies Service 1

Important Facts about Bedwetting.

Nocturnal Enuresis, better known as bedwetting, is the involuntary discharge of urine at night beyond the age when the child is old enough to be able to control urination ( usually considered to be 5 years of age for nighttime control).

Primary Nocturnal Enuresis means that the child has never achieved total bladder control during sleep.

Secondary Nocturnal Enuresis is loss of bladder control that happens after the child or adult has been dry at night for a long period of time (at least 6 months).

How common is Bedwetting?

Bedwetting is a common problem. It affects about 20% of 5 year olds, 7% of 7 year olds, 5% of 10 year olds, and 1% of 18 year olds. In other words, most bedwetters will eventually grow out of it, but the problem can be treated effectively much sooner.

The most effective form of treatment for bedwetting, is by means of an Enuresis Alarm.

Should You Do Anything about it?

Many parents are unsure whether to ignore the bedwetting and simply wait for the child to grow out of it, or whether to seek help.

It is not essential to treat the problem, but we believe it is best to do so for the following reasons:

	Bedwetters usually suffer from shame and embarrassment as a result of their bedwetting. They miss out on sleepovers, and feel different from, and less competent than other children. These feelings can result in low self-esteem, and emotional problems.
	The costs of laundry and wear and tear on beds and bedding can be a financial burden for a family.
	As a result of the inconvenience, the family of the bedwetter often feels frustrated and angry. They may punish or ridicule the child, which adds to the child's feelings of shame and worthlessness and creates guilt feelings in the parents.
	As there is effective treatment available, these children should be helped if possible. These problems usually become acute from age 7.

When should Bedwetters be Treated?

A large proportion of children grow out of bedwetting between the ages of 5 and 7 (see statistics listed above). Thereafter the spontaneous progress to dryness is much slower and may take many years. 7 is also the age at which the child starts to become concerned about bedwetting, and emotional problems are more likely to develop. Therefore it makes sense to institute active treatment at age 7.

Until the child is 7 years old, the family should manage the problem with good bedding protection, reassure the child that s/he will learn to be dry in time, and that there are many children who have this problem. Do not punish or ridicule the child, or communicate your annoyance with the wet linen - these are your emotions, and it is not fair to burden the child with feelings of guilt for something over which s/he has no control.

Children under 7 should not be on prescription drugs for bedwetting, and are considered too young for effective treatment with a bedwetting alarm. An exception may be a 6 year old who is already becoming upset by the bedwetting, and is very motivated to learn to be dry. Girls usually reach this point before boys do. If you are unsure whether your child is ready for treatment, please contact us for advice. If the child is too young for treatment, we can offer you excellent bedding protection, which will make your life much easier.

From 7 years of age, a bedwetter is usually old enough for effective treatment with a bedwetting alarm. [ Next ]

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Last modified: September 22, 2000