Treatment of Bedwetting

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If the child is under the age six or seven thereâ€™s usually no need to seek treatment. If your child is older than this, see your GP who can do a urine test to rule out a physical cause such as an infection. They might need other tests such as a scan of the abdomen.

Your GP will discuss the options with you and may refer you to a continence advisor. You may also want to talk to your childâ€™s school nurse as they may be able to offer support and lend equipment such as night alarms.

A continence advisor can teach your child exercises to control the bladder. Over time your child will be able to hold more urine and recognise when they feel the urge to go, even if they are asleep.

An alarm worn in the pyjamas or in the bed that goes off when it starts to get wet can be very useful. After a few months the child will be able to recognise the feeling of a full bladder without the alarm. About 8 in 10 children over the age of about seven or eight stop wetting the bed with this method (1).

Drugs to stop bedwetting are available but they donâ€™t solve the problem long-term. The main prescription drug used is called desmopressin and it works by reducing the amount of urine produced at night. It may be used for a short time, such as when the child is staying away from home for the night, but generally it is better if the child learns to control their bladder themselves. Side effects of this drug may include nosebleeds, headaches and stomach pain. Your GP will consider if your child has any medical conditions such as cystic fibrosis or is on any other medication before they prescribe desmopressin.

Some people may consider trying alternative therapies such as acupuncture or hypnosis â€“ always consult your GP before starting this kind of treatment.