Bedwetting (Primary Nocturnal Enuresis)

Examinations and Tests

Any child beyond age 6 or 7 who continues to wet the bed may need to be evaluated by a health professional. The evaluation should include a urinalysis.

A medical history and a physical examination are also part of a medical evaluation of bedwetting. If you are having your child evaluated for bedwetting, for a week or two before your visit, keep a diary that lists when wettings occur and how much urine is released.

If the bedwetting may be caused by other conditions, further testing may be needed. These include:

  • A urinalysis and urine culture to determine whether a bladder or kidney infection is present.
  • Psychological testing, if emotional stress is suspected.

If a child has uncontrollable wetting both at night and in the day, other tests may need to be done.

What to think about

Click here to view a Decision Point.Should I schedule a doctor visit to discuss my child's bedwetting?


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Author: Amy Fackler, MA
Debby Golonka, MPH
Carrie Henley
Last Updated: January 11, 2007
Medical Review: Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics
Peter Anderson, MD, FRCS(C) - Pediatric Urology

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