Bladder Control Problems & Bedwetting in Children

Children who leak urine when most of their classmates are dry may have a bladder control problem. Both daytime wetting and bedwetting are common—and tend to fade away as children mature. In some cases, health conditions can lead to wetting.

Signs of a bladder control problem include leaking urine, frequent or urgent bathroom trips, or a wet bed. Slow physical development often causes bedwetting. Bathroom habits can sometimes lead to wetting or make it worse.

Doctors use a child’s age, symptoms, and medical history to diagnose a bladder control problem. Additional tests can look for an illness or birth defect.

Treatment depends on what’s causing the wetting. Common methods include changing bladder and bowel routines, moisture alarms at night, and medicine. Patience and understanding are important.

Often, you can’t prevent a bladder control problem, especially bedwetting, which is a common pattern of development. Good bathroom habits may help children have more dry days and nights.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.