Bedwetting (enuresis) is one of the most common problems in children and can be a source of concern and questions for parents. Although it usually occurs at night during sleep, in some children it may also happen during the day. Parents often attribute this to discipline or inattention, but bedwetting can actually result from medical, developmental, or psychological factors. Therefore, it is very important to understand this situation correctly and approach it without blaming the child. Most importantly, parents should know that there is a treatment for this problem.
The main reasons are these:
- Genetic predisposition – If a parent or close relatives experienced bedwetting in childhood, children are more likely to have it as well.
- Delayed bladder development – In some children, the bladder capacity is small, or they have difficulty sensing when it is full.
- Deep sleep – When a child sleeps very deeply, they may wet the bed without sensing that their bladder is full.
- Stress and psychological factors – Changes in the school environment, tension within the family, or emotional trauma are among the reasons that increase urinary incontinence.
- Urinary tract infections – During an infection, the bladder becomes irritated and the child may lose control of their urine.
- Hormonal Imbalance – Reduced secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) increases urine production at night, making it difficult for the child to control urination.
- Constipation – Long-term constipation can put pressure on the bladder, causing urinary incontinence.
The effects of urinary incontinence on children
Urinary incontinence can also affect a child’s psychological well-being. If it becomes persistent, the child may experience embarrassment, reduced self-confidence, and social withdrawal. Therefore, it is very important for parents to approach the issue calmly, provide support to the child, and discuss the problem with a doctor in a timely manner.
In conclusion, urinary incontinence in children can be caused by both physical and psychological factors. Although this condition can be embarrassing for the child, in most cases it is treatable. The most important thing is that parents should not try to guess the cause themselves but consult a pediatrician or a pediatric urologist in a timely manner. Early diagnosis helps resolve the problem more quickly.