A widely accepted view regarding the cause of nighttime bed-wetting is that the child has failed to learn to awaken to the bladder pressure and volume before the bladder automatically empties. Although nocturnal enuresis is common the first few years after toilet training, most children do outgrow their bed-wetting. It is usually a good age to begin treatment when the child becomes concerned about wetting. To rule out other problems associated with bed wetting, such as urinary infection, painful urination, stream abnormality, daytime incontinence, bowel problems or anatomic disorders, a urologist will take a complete history, physical examination, and inspect the child s urine. In some situations, an ultrasound or other imaging tests are performed.
Most bed wetters become dry without treatment.
Patience and understanding are the best things to offer children who bed wet. There are different treatment options that may be use to treat nocturnal enuresis. Keep in mind that all of these treatments have a varied success rate, and one may work better than another depending on the individual. The process may be slow. The urologist may use a combination of treatments depending on the individual and the situation.