Bedwetting can affect anyone although it is most common in children over the age of 5 years. There are a number of causes including the over-production of urine at night, a problem with the bladder being able to store the urine and the inability of the child to wake up in response to full bladder signals. However, there could be other causes including an undetected problem with constipation or the bladder.

Bedwetting can also have a serious effect on a child psychologically, affecting the self-esteem, emotional well being and day time functioning. For all these reasons it is important that bedwetting is taken seriously and all affected children undergo a comprehensive assessment and are offered treatment.

It is a common childhood condition, with approximately 20% of 5 year olds and 5-10% of 7 years olds regularly wetting the bed; if this problem is not treated it can stay with them until the teenage years and adulthood.

What is World Bedwetting Day?

Bedwetting is defined as a common medical condition and World Bedwetting Day aims to raise awareness of the issue. Bedwetting is no-one fault, and the families and doctors of those who suffer should be able to openly talk about this issue. This day raises awareness of bedwetting as a common condition that can and should be treated.

The slogan for World Bedwetting Day is ‘Time to Take Action’. This is to recognise that much more can be done to diagnose and treat children and teenagers with this common medical condition. World Bedwetting Day is a partnership between the team here at Bladder & Bowel UK, ERIC and Ferring.

When is World Bedwetting Day?

This years day is taking place on Tuesday, 30 May 2017.

There are lots of ways you can be involved:

• Download World Bedwetting Day action pack resources – Leaflet Poster – Flyer
• Order a hard copy of the action pack by emailing your name and address to uk@ferring.com
• Visit the World Bedwetting Day website and get help with how to stop bedwetting.
• Back the ERIC thunderclap

It is only a few weeks until the event now, so be sure to promote and raise awareness on social media. Use the hashtag #WorldBedwettingDay. Be sure to join the Thunderclap. The aim of the day is to talk more openly about bedwetting no matter what age you are.

If you want to talk about incontinence issues or are looking for solutions and products we have a dedicated team of professionals at Bladder and Bowel UK within Disabled Living. Bladder and Bowel UK are experts in the field that are able to give impartial advice about equipment and solutions to incontinence problems. If you would like to talk to a professional please give the team a call on 0161 214 4591.

The impact bedwetting has on a child is often underestimated and it should be discussed without embarrassment or guilt and days like World Bedwetting Day are a great way to talk about it and get the help that someone needs.