I Think My Child Has Nocturnal Enuresis: Can You Help?

Bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, is a normal part of a child’s life. Unfortunately, some children take longer to get the hang of things than others. Don’t worry — you’re not stuck changing sheets in the middle of the night forever. 

Our experts at Golden Gate Urology in Berkeley, California, know nocturnal enuresis can frustrate parents and distress children and teens. That’s why we offer comprehensive pediatric urology services to help families find practical solutions to issues like persistent bedwetting. 

Here’s a closer look at nocturnal enuresis, how we treat it, and how you can help at home. 

When is bedwetting a problem?

Most children outgrow bedwetting by the time they’re 4-5 years old. We consider bedwetting an issue when your child is older than 5 and still has accidents two or more times a week for at least three months in a row. 

Nocturnal enuresis occurs in:

• 1 in 10 children
• 30% of children 7 and under 
• 5% of 10-year-olds
• 1%-2% of teens
• 2%-3% of adults 18 and older

Nocturnal enuresis isn’t a serious condition, but children who wet the bed can often feel ashamed and embarrassed. That might keep them from participating in activities like sleepovers. 

What causes nocturnal enuresis?

We categorize nocturnal enuresis as primary or secondary. 

Primary nocturnal enuresis occurs when your child can’t make it through the night without bedwetting for six months in a row; secondary nocturnal enuresis occurs when your child has dry nights for at least six months in a row but then begins wetting the bed again. 

Nocturnal enuresis is most often a direct result of poor bladder control. Bladder control begins to develop at ages 2-4 and becomes mature around age 7, but the occasional accident can still occur into the teenage years. 

Frequent bedwetting can indicate an underlying medical problem, including:

• Urinary tract infection or blockage
• Underdeveloped kidney
• Unmanaged stress
• Lack of sleep 
• Deep sleep
• Small bladder
• Constipation
• Nerve problems
• Diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• ADHD

The most important thing to understand is that nocturnal enuresis is no one’s fault nor a result of laziness, defiance, or poor potty training. Nocturnal enuresis stems from underlying problems having little to do with parent intervention. 

Treating nocturnal enuresis

We start with conservative treatments for nocturnal enuresis, such as prescribing a topical corticosteroid or oral medications to help your child retain water in the body and prevent their bladder from becoming too full. 

We also work with you and your child to develop the habits necessary to stay dry overnight. If your child is older than 7 and still wetting the bed, try:

• Limiting fluids in the evening, especially sugary or caffeinated drinks
• Make using the toilet a part of the bedtime routine
• Use a moisture alarm pad

You shouldn’t:

• Reprimand or scold your child
• Withhold liquids all day
• Embarrass your child
• Compare them to other children

Remember, nocturnal enuresis isn’t misbehavior or a reflection of your parenting. It’s a frustrating problem that improves with time, treatment, and diligence. 

The best way to overcome bedwetting is often to take a wait-and-see approach, but that doesn't mean you have to wait and see alone. If your older child is struggling with persistent bedwetting, we’d like to talk with you and help your family find a path forward.

Call our friendly staff at 510-255-0013 or schedule your consultation online today.