A guide to dealing with teenage bedwetting
Bedwetting - known medically as nocturnal enuresis - affects many children and young people. But for the 3-4% of UK teenagers who experience some form of urinary incontinence, it can be especially stressful.
During this already disruptive time in a young person's life, it's important to understand the causes of bedwetting so they can better manage it and live more confidently.
Key highlights
Why do some teenagers wet the bed?
There are a wide range of physical reasons why a teenager might be experiencing bedwetting, including:
- Overactive bladder
- Weak bladder muscles
- Hormonal imbalances
- Underlying health conditions
Mental health issues common in many teenagers - including stress, anxiety, and depression - might also be the cause of their bedwetting.
In fact, the emotional pressures many teenagers feel can make bedwetting worse, which leads to a vicious cycle of stress and loss of bladder control.
Addressing bedwetting in teenagers
If your teenager has approached you about their bedwetting, or you've noticed it for yourself and are unsure how to address it with them, there are a few things you can do to help.
Let them know it's not their fault
Bedwetting is a medical condition and shouldn't be seen as a lack of control or immaturity. Instead, offer your reassurance and support to let them know they're not alone in dealing with the issue.
Try to find the root cause
Understanding the cause of your teen's bedwetting will help manage it effectively. Your GP can perform a physical exam to understand any potential health conditions (e.g. urinary tract infection) or issues with bladder control.
If there are some underlying conditions at play, your healthcare professional should be able to suggest the best treatment for bedwetting for your teen.
Until a diagnosis is made to tackle the root cause, they will likely suggest incontinence pads to manage symptoms.
Help them adjust their lifestyle
If stress or anxiety is a potential cause, counselling or therapy may be the best way for them to manage their bedwetting on a more long-term basis.
Similarly, try to help them establish a more regular bedtime routine and reduce their fluid intake - especially fizzy drinks or energy drinks - at least one hour before bedtime.
Also, make sure they go to the toilet at night before bed so their bladder is empty before going to sleep.
Be patient and supportive
Addressing and tackling teenage bedwetting can be a slow process, and it might take longer than you'd both like before any results are seen.
That's why it's important to be patient and understanding throughout. Your support is key to helping them get through it, too.
And remember to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop a personalised treatment for bedwetting which should hopefully get them well on their way to controlling their bladder once again.
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