7 year old boy still wetting bed. Is it time for a continence specialist?

My 7 year old boy wets the most nights. He wears dry nights but he feels embarrassed as his younger brother does not have this problem. Do you think it's time we got a continence specialists opinion on how to better manage his bed wetting? His GP doesn't seem to be concerned, saying he will grow out of it. What other options are out there?

Boys bedwetting (4-10 y) · Asked by Karen over 3 years ago

Dr Cathrine Answered:

while it may not be medically necessary to treat bedwetting after the age of 6 years – some children due to social and emotional reasons benefit from some form of treatment. From about the age of 6 years children become increasingly aware of the opinions of others. If let go, children’s bedwetting can result in feelings of insecurity or helplessness – if you feel this is what is happening with your son then yes it is definitely time to seek support. If you are unable to get a satisfactory response from your GP ask them to refer you to a Continence Advisor or you can contact the National Continence Helpline (1800 33 00 66) who will be able to recommend someone. In the meantime reassure your son that his bedwetting is not his fault and is actually more common than he thinks – there is probably at least one other kid in his class that also wets the bed! Sometimes just knowing that there are other kids out there experiencing similar things can make them feel a lot better about the situation. Be sensitive to his feelings by allowing him to get ready for bed in private so that he doesn’t feel embarrassed when he puts on his DryNites – encourage his independence by getting him to dispose of these himself in the morning. All the best – I look forward to hearing how you go!

Tags: dr, doctor, GP, specialist, medical, treatment, drugs, alarm

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