Bedwetting affects approximately 20% of five-year-olds and 10% of seven-year-olds; 1-3 % of teenagers and 0.5-1% of adults – but despite how common it is, how often do you hear people talking about it?

Breaking the taboo of bedwetting is important to us here at Bladder & Bowel UK because although we talk about it every day as professionals, we know it may not feel as easy for you and your family. You have told us that bedwetting can be embarrassing and knowing how to begin to make it better can be difficult if you’re finding it hard to discuss.

World Bedwetting Week blogs

We listened to you and have written a seven-day series about bedwetting that provides simple, easy to follow information and guidance based on the following questions we have been asked:

1. What is bedwetting and are what are the simple steps I can take that might help?
2. What treatment is available for bedwetting?
3. Why should bedwetting be treated?
4. What are the myths and what are the facts about bedwetting?
5. Does bedwetting affect older teenagers and adults?
6. What can I do to make it easier to cope with bedwetting?
7. What can I expect from my Health Visitor, School Nurse or GP?

We have chosen World Bedwetting Week to launch these important blogs as we hope it will help to raise awareness of this condition and remind both health professionals and the public that there are simple and effective lifestyle adjustments and treatments that can help make bedwetting better. They will help you understand the causes of bedwetting and what medical treatments are available and what support there is for you.

The Bladder & Bowel UK blogs for World Bedwetting Week can help answer your questions and direct you as needed to a health professional for further guidance and support.

Stop Bedwetting – https://stopbedwetting.org – have also produced a patient checklist and a personalised patient discussion guide to help you with your appointment. Being honest with your health professional and explaining what you have already tried means they can help you find the best treatment more efficiently. You can use their guides to help you prepare for the appointment.

Where can I find more information about bedwetting?

There is more information about bedwetting on the Bladder & Bowel UK website – www.bbuk.org.uk/children-young-people/resources-for-children – and in other blogs on the Bladder & Bowel UK website – www.bbuk.org.uk/?s=bedwetting. There is also information on the Stop Bedwetting website – https://stopbedwetting.org.

Where can I get more advice and help?

Your GP, or other healthcare professional such as the practice nurse, school nurse or health visitor should be able to provide more information and initial assessment. They may be able to refer you to a local service for support. You can also contact the Bladder & Bowel UK helpline for free confidential information and advice via the webform – www.bbuk.org.uk/helpline-enquiries – or on the telephone at 0161 214 4591.