ADULT BEDWETTING!!!

As much as bedwetting is usually referred to as a kid thing, it poses as struggle for some adults. Bedwetting in adult is entirely different from what children go through, it is embarrassing and shameful as far as an adult is concerned. BUT, you must know that bedwetting is involuntary and it is not your fault. This might not take away the shame you feel nor can it stop you from bedwetting but IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT.

SO, what is this thing and why is it not your fault?

Bedwetting, also termed nocturnal enuresis, is involuntary urination while asleep after the age at which bladder control usually occurs. Most cases of bedwetting are usually due to developmental delay and only a small percentage (5%-10%) is caused by specific medical conditions. Bed wetting is also frequently associated with a family history of the condition.

To fully understand this, a quick delve into anatomy and physiology will be needed and this is it:

Urine is produced by the kidneys and travels through the ureters to the bladder where it is stored and from this store, it moves into the urethra to be passed out of the body. So when the store, bladder is about to release the urine, it contracts, its muscles, the dextrusor muscle also contracts thereby opening the urinary sphincter to allow the passage of urine. An alteration in this mechanism can be caused by physical impediment or neurological disconnect causing passage of urine to become problematic or mistimed.

There is this hormone that sends signal to the kidney to decrease the amount of urine produced, the antidiuretic hormone and by instinct, the body produces more antidiuretic hormone to prevent bedwetting and deviation from this mechanism will cause bedwetting.

The physical size and functional size of the bladder is also considered where bedwetting is concerned. The functional size being the functional capacity holds a smaller volume of urine and hence, bedwetting. Related to this functional bladder capacity, if the muscles of the bladder are overactive, bedwetting occurs.

If you are bedwetting, you should consider your intake of certain medications and irritants as they contribute to bladder muscles instability. Certain medications such as hypnotics and some antipsychotics drugs also increase the risk of bedwetting.

Bedwetting can also be due to psychological instability (stress, fear and insecurity). It can also be caused by urinary tract infections, neurological disorders in terms of post cerebrovascular accidents also known as stroke, sleep apnea which is abnormal pauses in breathing during sleep, constipation, prostate gland enlargement, diabetes, cancer of any organ of urinary system. These underlying disease conditions cause secondary bedwetting and they need to be treated and if no treatment, properly managed.

So, how do you deal with bedwetting as an adult?

First thing is to determine the cause of your bedwetting by going through various laboratory tests and procedures (physical examination, urine tests, urologic examinations, neurological evaluations.

 And then apart from seeking medical help, monitor your fluid intake, drink less when it gets to evening time, check through your diet, avoid taking chocolate, caffeine, carbonated drinks or citrus after 3pm. Maintain routine fluids with dinner and like its being said earlier, reduce evening intake of fluid and if possible urinate in the toilet before toilet. Research also shows that setting alarm to wake you up.

To increase your comfort in bed and reduce damage, use washable absorbent sheets, water proof bed linens and covers and room deodorizers till you overcome bedwetting. IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT, so keep calm, be not troubled and overcome it.

By Tofunmi