Tips for treating bedwetting in adults

We tend to believe that bedwetting affects children and adolescents. While this condition affects 10% of children, particularly boys, it also affects adults. Indeed, although this condition is taboo, studies suggest that 2 to 3% of the population is affected. In order to better live with and combat bedwetting, it is necessary to understand its causes. What is adult bedwetting? Bedwetting is a condition characterized by involuntary, uncontrolled, and repeated nighttime urination. In short, an adult affected by bedwetting wets the bed. The term enuresis can be used from the age of 5, when the child gains control of their bladder sphincter. Adult enuresis is used from the age of 15. Causes of Adult Bedwetting When it comes to bedwetting in adults, the causes are many and varied. One main cause is heredity. Having a parent who has suffered or suffers from bedwetting gives you a 70% "chance" of being affected in turn. If it's both parents, this rate increases to 77%. If you suffer from bedwetting but it's not a hereditary condition, it may be the result of psychological trauma. Another possibility: bedwetting can be linked to a physical disorder such as a urinary tract infection, an undersized bladder, diabetes, or even a hormonal imbalance that controls urine secretion, for example. There are many causes; to get a clear and precise diagnosis, don't hesitate to consult your doctor or a specialist such as a urologist. They will prescribe an appropriate bedwetting treatment. Psychological causes and consequences Sleep disorders can lead to disrupted urinary cycles. In this case, addressing the problem at the source by restoring sleep will be more constructive than treating the incontinence itself. Consider hypnosis. While therapy is working, you can use protective devices such as diapers or all-in-one diapers. Other psychological issues also affect bladder function. Depression, fear, or any discomfort in everyday life can be among them. Shame and low self-esteem can also come into play and create a vicious cycle with bedwetting. So, first and foremost, it's important to defuse the situation! In these cases, and if the problem is persistent (no improvement despite the relativistic attitude of de-dramatization), a drug solution can be considered. In addition to the oxybutinin mentioned above, desmopressin can be prescribed. Finally, and only for adults, antidepressants can be effective. Re-education of the urination rhythm To avoid any risk of bedwetting, start by adopting good habits! To do this, it is necessary to urinate regularly during the day and to reduce your fluid intake from 6 p.m. Therefore, make sure to hydrate yourself well during the day because in the evening, you will have to limit yourself greatly! Also, don't stay in bed with the urge to urinate, even if you're only half-awake! Instead, get up and go to the bathroom. This little trick will minimize the risk of nighttime accidents and protect your bedding... The pee stop or alarm system To combat bedwetting, your doctor may prescribe a device that wakes you up as soon as a drop of urine is detected. The alarm sounds, waking you up and allowing you to go straight to the bathroom. It's 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 drug for bedwetting In addition to the alarm system or as a first resort, your doctor may prescribe a medical treatment based on desmopressin. This active ingredient, derived from the antidiuretic hormone, blocks urine secretion during the night. The success rate of this treatment is roughly the same: 50% but the relapse rate is said to be high (90%). , does not recommend the use of medications that have never been proven effective over time. The relapse rate is very high and the side effects are not trivial.