Advice for treating nocturnal enuresis in adults

What is adult enuresis?

Enuresis is a condition characterized by involuntary, uncontrolled, and repeated nighttime urination. Simply put, an adult with enuresis wets the bed. The term enuresis can be applied as early as age 5, the age at which a child typically controls their bladder sphincter. Adult enuresis is defined as occurring from the age of 15.

Causes of adult enuresis

When it comes to bedwetting in adults, the causes are numerous and varied. A major cause is heredity. Having a parent who has suffered or suffers from enuresis gives you a 70% chance of being affected yourself. If both parents have it, this rate increases to 77%. If you suffer from enuresis but it is not a hereditary condition, it may be the result of psychological trauma.

Another possibility: bedwetting can be linked to a physical condition such as a urinary tract infection, a small bladder, diabetes, or a hormonal imbalance that regulates urine production. There are many causes, so for a clear and precise diagnosis, don't hesitate to consult your doctor or a specialist such as a urologist. They will prescribe appropriate treatment for bedwetting.

Psychological causes and consequences

Sleep disturbances can lead to irregular urinary cycles. In this case, addressing the underlying problem by restoring sleep is more effective than treating the incontinence itself. Consider hypnosis. While waiting for therapy to take effect, you can use absorbent pads such as pull-ups or adult diapers.

Other psychological issues can also affect proper bladder function. Depression, fear, or any kind of general unease in daily life can be contributing factors. Shame and low self-esteem can also play a role and create a vicious cycle with bedwetting. Therefore, it's essential to take the drama out of it!

In these cases, and if the problem persists (no improvement despite a relativistic, downplaying approach), medication may be considered. In addition to the oxybutynin mentioned earlier, desmopressin may be prescribed. Finally, and only for adults, antidepressants may prove effective.

Retraining of the urinary rhythm

To avoid any risk of bedwetting, start by adopting good habits! This means urinating regularly throughout the day and reducing your fluid intake after 6 p.m. Therefore, make sure you stay well hydrated during the day because you'll need to significantly limit your fluid intake in the evening!

The pee stop or alarm system

To combat bedwetting, your doctor may prescribe a device that wakes you as soon as a drop of urine is detected. The alarm will wake you, allowing you to go to the toilet immediately. It is very important to force yourself to stop urinating as soon as you hear the alarm! The bedwetting alarm is very effective, with a success rate of nearly 87%. This alarm system is generally prescribed for a period of 2 to 4 months and has a low relapse rate.

The medication for bedwetting

In addition to the alarm system, or as a first-line treatment, your doctor may prescribe desmopressin. This active ingredient, derived from the antidiuretic hormone, blocks urine production during the night. The success rate of this treatment is roughly the same: 50%, but the relapse rate is high (90%).