Hi Kate – there is quite a strong genetic link to bedwetting so it is not unusual to find a number of children in the same family experiencing nighttime incontinence. When genetics plays a role we generally find that children achieve continence around a similar age to when their family member stopped wetting the bed, so it may be worth asking around to see if anyone in their father’s (or birth mother’s) family wet the bed as a child. By far the most effective means of treating children’s bedwetting is the conditioning alarm. The alarm is designed to wake-up the child when she begins to wet. The conditioning approach is based on the theory that by repetitively waking a child at the time of urination the child becomes conditioned into recognising that urination is about to occur. This method requires a great deal of commitment on behalf of the family, as parents need to take initial responsibility in ensuring their child wakes in response to the alarm. Treatment can take up to 6 months, with about a third of children experiencing relapse. If this occurs you need to reintroduce the alarm, with most children being treated in a much shorter period of time. An increase in the number of mornings a child wakes-up dry is one of the best indicators that they are moving toward achieving permanent continence, so this is a very encouraging sign for your youngest daughter. The leakage that you are experiencing with your eldest daughter may be a result of improper fit. If you think this may be a possibility you should try her with an incontinent product designed for adults. Given the difficulties she is experiencing with her menstrual cycle and the fact that she continues to wet every night I recommend that you follow this up with your GP. All the best!

Regards,
Dr Cathrine

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