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Understanding Adult Bed-Wetting: Causes and Solutions

Updated: Nov 26, 2024

Bed-Wetting in Men Over 50: Understanding Causes and Treatment Options


If you're an adult who has woken up to a wet bed, you're not alone. Adult bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, is a sensitive issue, but it’s more common than you might realize.


In men over 50, this problem can be associated with several underlying conditions, including those related to the urinary system.


If you're experiencing this, it's important to know that it is manageable, and seeking professional medical advice is a key step toward finding a solution.

A man sleeping on a green quilt

Why Does Adult Bed-Wetting Happen?


There are many potential causes of bedwetting in older adults. Some common factors include:


  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): This condition involves enlargement of the prostate gland, which can cause urine retention and incomplete bladder emptying, leading to nighttime accidents.


  • Urinary Tract Infections (UTI): Urinary tract infections can irritate the bladder and increase the urge to urinate, possibly leading to bedwetting.


  • Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can cause increased urine production and nighttime accidents.


  • Medications: Some medications, including those for high blood pressure or insomnia, may contribute to bedwetting.


  • Neurological conditions: Conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord, such as Parkinson's disease or stroke, can affect bladder control.


While these are just a few examples, it's important to see a doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms.



How Doctors Diagnose the Issue


When you see your doctor, he or she will perform a number of tests to determine the cause of your bedwetting. Here are some important diagnostic tools that will be used:


1. Urinalysis  

A simple test that analyzes a sample of your urine to check for infections or other conditions affecting the urinary tract. This test helps doctors identify problems with your kidneys, bladder, or urethra that may be contributing to your bedwetting.


2. Urine culture  

This test involves sending a small sample of your urine to a lab. There, technicians place the urine in a dish with nutrients to see if bacteria or yeast grow. This test is especially useful for diagnosing urinary tract infections, which are a common cause of bedwetting in adults.


3. Uroflowmetry  

During this test, you urinate into a special funnel that measures how much urine you produce and how fast it flows out. This can help doctors assess whether there is a blockage or difficulty emptying the bladder completely, which is often associated with conditions such as BPH.


Experiencing urinary problems?



4. Postvoid residual measurement  


In this test, your healthcare provider measures how much urine is left in your bladder after you've urinated. This test helps determine if your bladder is emptying completely, as incomplete emptying can lead to bedwetting and other urinary problems.


A healthy man hydrating after exercise

Managing Adult Bed-Wetting


While the causes of adult enuresis vary, the good news is that there are several effective treatment strategies. Treatments range from medication and lifestyle changes to treating underlying health conditions such as BPH or diabetes.


If necessary, doctors may recommend therapies to improve bladder control or address neurological issues.



When to Seek Help


If you're a regular bedwetter, don't be embarrassed - talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you determine what's causing the problem and guide you toward effective treatment options.


Ignoring the problem won't make it go away, and with the right approach, you can significantly reduce or even eliminate nighttime accidents.


In conclusion, adult enuresis is a manageable condition. With proper medical evaluation and treatment, you can regain control and improve your quality of life.


 

Are you a male over the age of 45?

Notice any of these signs?


✔️ A weak or interrupted urine flow

✔️ Frequent, urgent trips to the bathroom

✔️ Difficulty fully emptying your bladder


If any of these apply to you, you may have benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).

Simply install the app, use it while urinating, and get results in seconds.


Screen with proudP urine flow test result

proudP is,


• Home urine flow test app

• Instant results: OK - Fair - Weak - Very Weak

• Free to download on the app store

• Assess your home with the app—no extra tools needed

• FDA Class II medical device application

• Trusted and used by urologists


Install proudP today and get a free test.


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*Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide any medical advice. This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.   

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