FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is bed-wetting?

Primary nocturnal enuresis (PNE), or bed-wetting, is defined as involuntary urination at night by children past the age of 6 years. The bed-wetting may be ongoing or episodic, but the dry periods are unpredictable and never prolonged. Bed-wetting is a very common condition affecting an estimated 5 to 7 million children nationwide. While the causes of PNE are not fully understood or agreed upon, bed-wetting does tend to run in families: If both parents have a history of bed-wetting, their offspring have a 77% chance of wetting the bed; if one parent wet the bed as a child, their child has a 44% chance of wetting the bed. About 15% of children will "outgrow" bed-wetting in any given year so that, by the age of 18, at least 1% still wet the bed.

What is the impact of bed-wetting on the family?

It is important to understand and evaluate to what extent bed-wetting is disrupting the family. While it may seem reasonable to expect parents to talk about bed-wetting, many are reluctant to seek medical attention because they are embarrassed, or they don't understand why their child wets, or they are frustrated by the limited choice of treatment options offered by healthcare providers. The whole family may suffer disrupted sleep, stress and frustration. Also, the extra expense of laundry, diapers and wet mattresses should be considered. For the most part, the majority of families understand bed-wetting for what it is - unintended and unwanted - in short, an accident. Unfortunately, up to 35% of children who wet the bed are punished, which can compound the problem.

What is the impact of bed-wetting on the child?

Bed-wetting usually occurs during an important stage in a child's life: when he or she is establishing relationships with peers and siblings - relationships that are critical for social development. The child needs to be encouraged to express his or her feelings, fears, and ideas, and a few moments should be taken to correct whatever false notions the child may have about bed-wetting.

Is there something physically wrong with my child?

While bed-wetting can be a symptom of some underlying condition, such as an infection of the urinary tract, most children with PNE do not have a serious physical ailment. Research shows that, in some children, bed-wetting may be related to a lack of night-time increase in antidiuretic hormone (ADH), the hormone responsible for the regulation of urinary output, resulting in night-time overproduction of urine.

Should my child be allowed to participate in overnight activities, such as camp, sleep-overs, and family activities?

Absolutely! The age when children wet their beds is also an age when it is very important to be involved in activities with peers and siblings. There are ways to protect the child from embarrassment at overnights. For example, have the child bring his or her own sleeping bag. It is important that the child feel secure enough so that he or she will not lose sleep for fear of wetting the bed.

Is there a proper way to deal with a wet bed night after night?

Parents should not punish or blame the child, which could have a serious effect on his or her self-image. Parents may wish to teach the child to take responsibility for changing into dry pyjamas and remaking the bed, without humiliating the child by hanging the sheets out a window to dry. Reward your child for compliance to the treatment method you choose, not necessarily for dry nights. A wet bed can be ignored, but a child cannot.

Are there safe and effective treatments available?

Yes. Please contact your physician or other healthcare provider for available treatments.