Patient Education for Bedwetting (Nocturnal Enuresis)
What You Need to Know
Bedwetting is not your child's fault—it's a common medical condition that affects 15-20% of 5-year-olds and improves naturally in about 14% of children each year. 1
First Steps: Simple Changes at Home
Start with behavioral modifications before considering medications or alarms—these are safe, cost nothing, and may help your child. 1
Daily Habits to Implement
Use a reward system like a sticker chart where your child earns a sticker for each dry night—this increases motivation and awareness 1
Establish regular bathroom times throughout the day: morning, twice during school, after school, at dinner, and right before bed 1
Limit drinks in the evening, especially caffeinated beverages like soda, while making sure your child drinks plenty of fluids earlier in the day 1
Have your child help change wet sheets—this raises awareness and encourages responsibility, but should never be used as punishment 1
Encourage daily physical activity 1
What Doesn't Work Well
Waking your child at night to use the bathroom only helps for that specific night and doesn't lead to long-term improvement 1
Fluid restriction alone is not very effective as a standalone treatment 2, 3
Important: What NOT to Do
Never punish, shame, or blame your child for bedwetting—this can worsen the problem and cause psychological distress. 1
Bedwetting is an inherited medical condition, not laziness 4
Creating control struggles around bedwetting makes the situation worse 1
When to Consider More Intensive Treatment
If your child is 6 years or older and simple behavioral methods haven't worked after 1-2 months, talk to your doctor about bedwetting alarms or medication. 1, 5
Bedwetting alarms are the most effective long-term treatment with 66-75% success rates 1, 6
Desmopressin medication may be an option, especially if your child produces large amounts of urine at night 1, 5
When to See a Doctor
Schedule an appointment if:
Your child has never had a dry period and is over 6 years old 1
Bedwetting starts after your child has been dry for 6+ months
Your child has pain with urination, excessive thirst, or daytime wetting 7
What to Expect
Many children outgrow bedwetting naturally, but after age 10, only about 5% per year will stop on their own 4
Treatment success rates are high—over 90% of children respond to either alarm therapy or medication 4
Regular follow-up (ideally monthly) with your healthcare provider helps maintain motivation and improves outcomes 5
Keep a Bladder Diary
Track your child's bathroom habits for at least one week before your doctor visit—record when they drink fluids, when they urinate, and wet versus dry nights 1, 7