Secondary enuresis

Secondary enuresis is a medical term used to describe involuntary urinary incontinence that occurs in a child who has already acquired control over micturition (i.e. the ability to hold urine at night) over an extended period of time, usually at least six months. In other words, a child who starts wetting the bed again at night after a period of urinary cleanliness is considered to have secondary enuresis. The causes of secondary enuresis can be diverse and may include psychological, medical or environmental factors. Some possible causes include stress, major changes in the child's life (such as moving house, divorce or bereavement), underlying medical problems (such as a urinary tract infection), sleep disorders or hormonal factors. It is important to consult a healthcare professional if a child has secondary enuresis, as it may be a sign of an underlying problem that requires medical assessment. Treatment for secondary enuresis will depend on the underlying cause and may include approaches such as behavioural therapy, medication or other interventions tailored to the child's individual situation.