Bedwetting in Children

Bedwetting in Children: 15 Out of Every 100 Five-Year-Olds May Experience It

Urology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serdar Aykan stated that nighttime urinary incontinence or bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) is a very common condition in children. He noted that bedwetting may affect approximately 15 out of every 100 children around the age of five. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aykan added, “It is estimated that approximately one million children in our country experience bedwetting.”

Emphasizing that this condition is more common in children whose parents also have a history of bedwetting, Emsey Hospital Urology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serdar Aykan explained that three main factors may contribute to the problem.

Causes of Bedwetting in Children:

• Excessive urine production during the night

• Overactivity of the urinary bladder during the night

• Difficulty waking up in response to the need to urinate

BEDWETTING CAN ALSO OCCUR AT OLDER AGES

Urology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serdar Aykan noted that approximately 15% of all children may experience bedwetting up to the age of 16. He emphasized that although the frequency decreases with age, nighttime bedwetting can also occur in older children and adolescents. He also pointed out that bedwetting more commonly affects children whose parents have a history of the same condition.

Aykan explained that three main factors may contribute to nighttime bedwetting: excessive urine production during the night, overactivity of the urinary bladder, and difficulty waking up in response to the need to urinate.

TREATMENT OF BEDWETTING IN CHILDREN

Following regular monitoring by parents, professional medical support can help manage bedwetting through behavioral therapies and, in more advanced stages, medication.

Urology Specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serdar Aykan stated that methods used to address bedwetting in children include establishing regular urination schedules, arranging the toilet so that children can use it comfortably (using a child-sized toilet seat and placing a step stool under their feet), preventing constipation, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in natural, fiber-rich foods and fluids.

In addition to behavioral therapies, he emphasized that families can help prevent nighttime bedwetting through measures such as limiting fluid intake after dinner, avoiding carbonated drinks and excessive sugar consumption during the day, establishing daytime urination intervals of every 2–3 hours, encouraging the child to urinate before bedtime, and taking the child to the toilet once more when parents go to bed.

He highlighted that successful management requires cooperation among the family, school, teachers, and the child. Another supportive method is the use of a bedwetting alarm, which alerts parents when the child wets the bed, allowing them to wake up, change the bedding, and take the child to the toilet.

MEDICATION MAY BE CONSIDERED WHEN THERE IS NO IMPROVEMENT

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Serdar Aykan stated that medication may be considered in patients who do not show improvement after three months of behavioral therapy.

He explained: “Medication taken one hour before bedtime can prevent bedwetting in up to 90% of cases. However, one disadvantage is that bedwetting may recur after the medication is discontinued. The aim of medication is to keep the child dry at night until they develop independent nighttime bladder control.”

Emsey Medical Editorial Board