My youngest son has just turned 6 and began school this year. He loves school, but wets himself constantly and the smell is vile. The doctor suggested rewarding him for being dry, but this doesn't help. I'm at my wits end.

The doctor did a urinary test to check for an infection - all clear. Also checked for diabetes - all clear. He was the quickest child to become toilet trained and stayed dry overnight and during the day for about 2 years, then began needing a nappy at night. This was about the time I separated from my husband. I wasn't really worried about it, till he began wetting more and more during the day. But this year he's just wetting himself during school more and more, even though he loves school and there is no bullying. I recently took my children to see a 2.5 hour movie and expected him to need to go to the toilet several times, but he was dry the whole time. So it's not like he can't stay dry.

Boys bedwetting (4-10 y) · Asked by Claire about 1 year ago

Dr Cathrine Answered:

Hi Claire, There are a number of possible explanations for why your son is wetting himself. Given his age and the frequency of his wetting I would strongly recommend that you ask to be referred to a pediatrician who specializes in treating children’s incontinence issues. Daytime wetting after the age of 6 years may be caused by some underlying physical or medical problem (some of which have already been ruled out) or may be psychological or emotional in its origins. The fact that it began soon after you separated from your husband lends me to think it may be a result of stress stemming from the divorce. Divorce and separation can be incredibly stressful for a young child and while they may not be able to articulate and discuss their feelings their emotional distress and concern can manifest itself in other ways. It is important that you discuss this with your doctor and ask to be referred to a clinical child psychologist (which is now covered by Medicare). All the best.

Regards,
Dr Cathrine

Tags: daytime enuresis

Comments

Be the first to post a comment

Add a comment