Full Answer
Is it normal for adults to wet the bed at night?
Bedwetting (medically known as nocturnal enuresis ) is typically associated with young children. But wetting the bed at night can also happen to adults. While it's nothing to be ashamed of, enuresis may be a symptom of bladder control issues, or it may be a sign of an underlying health condition.
What is adult bedwetting (enuresis)?
Adult Bedwetting (Enuresis) Nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting is the involuntary release of urine during sleep. Bedwetting can be a symptom of bladder control problems like incontinence or overactive bladder or more severe structural issues, like an enlarged prostate or bladder cancer. Studies shows that 1 to 2 percent of adults wet the bed,...
How common is bed-wetting in adults?
Bed-wetting is often associated with childhood. Indeed, up to one-quarter of children experience problems with nocturnal enuresis, or urinating while asleep. Most children grow out of the condition when their bladders become larger and better developed. Research suggests bed-wetting occurs in 1 to 2 percent of adults.
Should I be concerned if my husband starts wetting the bed?
My husband has started to wet the bed at night. What causes adult bed-wetting? Should we be concerned about this? Bed-wetting that starts in adulthood (secondary enuresis) is uncommon and requires medical evaluation. Treatment of adult bed-wetting is directed at the underlying cause, when possible.
How many people have bedwetting?
Research suggests bed-wetting occurs in 1 to 2 percent of adults. However, the number may be higher. Some adults are likely embarrassed or unwilling to talk with their doctor about the problem.
What to do if bedwetting doesn't stop?
If the bed-wetting doesn’t stop, your doctor may prescribe specific treatment. This can include lifestyle changes, medications, and more.
What is the best treatment for bedwetting?
Four primary types of medications are prescribed to treat adult bed-wetting, depending on the cause: 1 antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections 2 anticholinergic drugs can calm irritated or overactive bladder muscles 3 desmopressin acetate to boost levels of ADH so your kidneys will stop producing as much urine at night 4 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride (Proscar), shrink an enlarged prostate
Why do I urinate at night?
Urinary tract infection. A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause frequent and unexpected urination. A UTI often causes inflammation and irritation of the bladder which can further worsen incontinence and bed-wetting at night. Treating the UTI should stop the enuresis.
Why does my bladder feel sore?
Your bladder muscle contractions may be caused by abnormal nerve signals between your brain and your bladder or an irritant to the bladder, such as alcohol, caffeine, or medications. These products can make the muscles less stable.
What is it called when you can't control your bladder?
Detrusor muscles are the muscles of your bladder. They relax when your bladder fills and contract when it’s time to empty. If these muscles contract at the wrong time, you may not be able to control urination. This condition can be called overactive bladder (OAB).
Why is it important to train your bladder?
This strategy helps your body anticipate regular voiding by holding urine for longer stretches of time.
How Is Bed-Wetting Diagnosed?
Your doctor will do an exam and ask about your symptoms and health history. Keep a diary so you'll have the answers to their questions. Write down things like:
Why does my bladder leak urine?
Your bladder can't hold enough urine. When there isn't enough room in your bladder, pee can leak.
What does OAB mean in medical terms?
Overactive bladder (OAB). Your bladder muscles normally squeeze when you're ready to pee. In OAB, these muscles squeeze too often or at the wrong times.
What is a detrusor myectomy?
Detrusor myectomy. It's a major operation that treats an overactive bladder. Your surgeon removes part or all of the muscles around your bladder to stop them from contracting at the wrong times.
What is post void residual urine?
Post-void residual urine measurement. This test measures how much urine is left in your bladder after you pee.
What is the procedure that makes the bladder bigger?
Bladder augmentation. It's an operation that makes your bladder larger, which raises the amount of urine it can hold. Sacral nerve stimulation. It helps control an overactive bladder. Your doctor puts a small device into your body that sends signals to nerves in your lower back that help control the flow of urine.
What is the best medicine for bedwetting?
Take medicines. Several can help with bed-wetting. Desmopressin ( DDAVP) reduces the amount of urine your kidneys make.
What tests are used to determine the cause of bedwetting?
Tests and procedures used to determine the cause of adult bed-wetting include: Physical exam. Urine tests. Urologic tests. Neurological evaluation. Treatment of adult bed-wetting is directed at the underlying cause, when possible. With.
What causes bedwetting in adults?
Causes of adult bed-wetting may include: 1 A blockage (obstruction) in part of the urinary tract, such as from a bladder stone or kidney stone 2 Bladder problems, such as small capacity or overactive nerves 3 Diabetes 4 Enlarged prostate 5 Medication side effect 6 Neurological disorders 7 Obstructive sleep apnea 8 Urinary tract infection
Causes
Nocturnal enuresis, or involuntarily urinating during the nighttime, happens when a person's bladder doesn't respond to signals that it needs to empty while sleeping. There are several possible reasons this may occur.
Diagnosis
Adult bedwetting can be a symptom of other underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or a urinary infection. This is why it's important to uncover the root cause of your enuresis and get a proper diagnosis.
Treatment
After other underlying medical conditions have been ruled out, a healthcare provider can recommend a treatment plan for nocturnal enuresis that works for you. There are several effective treatments available based on your individual needs and preferences.
When To See a Provider
Because enuresis can be the result of another underlying medical condition, experts recommend that all adults experiencing nighttime bedwetting see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Summary
Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) is an issue commonly associated with young children. But when it happens as an adult, it could be the sign of an underlying condition, such as sleep apnea, a UTI, or overactive bladder muscles. Depending on the cause, treatment options can include lifestyle modifications, medication, and, in serious cases, surgery.
A Word From Verywell
If you're experiencing bedwetting as an adult, know that you're not alone. Nocturnal enuresis is estimated to occur in up to 2% of adults in the U.S. 10 And that number may actually be even higher, as some experts suspect adult bedwetting isn't accurately reported due to feelings of embarrassment or shame.
What causes enuresis in the pelvis?
Structural Causes. Enuresis can also be a symptom of problems in the urethra, prostate or pelvis, including urinary tract infection, urinary tract stones, enlarged prostate, prostate cancer and bladder cancer.
What is bedwetting in adults?
Adult Bedwetting (Enuresis) Nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting is the involuntary release of urine during sleep. Bedwetting can be a symptom of bladder control problems like incontinence or overactive bladder or more severe structural issues, like an enlarged prostate or bladder cancer.
How to prevent bedwetting?
Monitoring Fluid Intake: The first step towards preventing bedwetting is limiting the intake of fluids in the afternoon and evening, which creates a decrease in the amount of urine produced at night. Reduce or avoid caffeine and alcohol intake, which act as diuretics and increase the likelihood of accidents.
What is a clam cytoplasty?
Clam Cytoplasty: The bladder is cut open and a patch of intestine added to increase bladder capacity and reduce bladder instability.
How to increase bladder capacity?
Training involves drinking large amounts of fluid during the day and refraining from urinating for as long as possible to increase functional bladder capacity.
When should surgery be considered?
Surgery should only be considered once other non-invasive options have been exhausted.
Does enuresis cause bedwetting?
In people with enuresis, this hormone is not produced in significant enough quantities to slow the production of urine, which often leads to bedwetting. This can be a symptom of both Type I and Type II Diabetes.
