Nocturnal Enuresis and Penile Curvature in Young Boys

Nocturnal enuresis in children?

Hello, doctor: I have a 6-year-old boy in kindergarten who needs to be woken up at night to use the bathroom; otherwise, he will wet the bed.
Is his current urinary system development normal? The second question is that there is a noticeable left curvature of the penis during urination.
Will a significant curvature angle affect his future fertility? At what age would it be appropriate for him to seek medical consultation? Thank you.

Miao Er, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/10/04

Dr. Zhang Peixin reply Pediatrics

Hello! The general definition of bedwetting is the occurrence of involuntary urination at night in children over the age of five.
The prevalence rates can vary based on different definitions.
If a child has primary enuresis (never having been dry at night), it usually improves gradually with age.
However, we still recommend that children over five who continue to wet the bed should see a pediatrician for basic nocturnal urine tests to rule out secondary causes.
A leftward bend of the penis during urination can have many causes, the most common being related to the foreskin.
However, if it is due to penile factors, caution should be taken to ensure it does not affect erection and cause fertility issues.
Therefore, it is advisable to consult a urologist for evaluation of the cause and severity.
Wishing you and your family peace and happiness.
Sincerely, Dr.
Zhang Pei-Hsin, Pediatric Department, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2002/10/04

More Info

Nocturnal enuresis, commonly known as bedwetting, is a condition that affects many children, particularly those in the early years of development. It is characterized by involuntary urination during sleep, and while it can be a source of concern for parents, it is often a normal part of childhood development. In your case, your 6-year-old son requires prompting to wake up and use the bathroom at night, which suggests he may not yet have fully developed bladder control during sleep.
Most children achieve nighttime dryness by the age of 5 or 6, but some may take longer. Factors contributing to nocturnal enuresis can include genetic predisposition, deep sleep patterns, and developmental delays in the bladder's ability to hold urine overnight. In many cases, children outgrow this condition without intervention. However, if the bedwetting persists beyond the age of 7 or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain during urination or changes in behavior, it may be advisable to consult a pediatrician or a specialist in pediatric urology.

Regarding the second concern about penile curvature, it is not uncommon for boys to have some degree of curvature in the penis, especially during childhood. This curvature can be due to a variety of factors, including the natural development of the penis, congenital conditions, or even trauma. If the curvature is noticeable and causes discomfort or difficulty during urination, it may be worth investigating further.
Peyronie's disease, which is characterized by the development of fibrous scar tissue inside the penis, can lead to significant curvature and may affect sexual function in adulthood. However, it is important to note that not all cases of penile curvature in children indicate a future problem. If the curvature is mild and does not cause any issues with urination or sexual function, it may not require treatment.

In terms of timing for consultation, if you notice that the curvature is becoming more pronounced or if your son experiences any pain or functional issues, it would be prudent to seek evaluation from a pediatric urologist. Generally, it is advisable to address concerns about penile curvature before puberty, as this is when the penis undergoes significant growth and development.

In summary, while nocturnal enuresis is often a normal developmental phase, it is essential to monitor your child's progress and seek medical advice if there are any concerns. Similarly, penile curvature should be assessed if it causes discomfort or functional issues. Early intervention can help address any potential problems and provide peace of mind for both you and your child.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Urinary Issues in Children: A Guide for Parents

Dear Sir/Madam, My son is seven years old and in his final year of kindergarten. He enjoys sleeping in a prone position, but since he turned six, I have noticed a peculiar phenomenon: while in this sleeping position, his genitalia becomes erect (approximately five centimeters), ...

Dr. Weng Wenzhen reply Urology
Hello! Infant and toddler self-stimulation is a normal phenomenon that occurs in both genders and can take various forms. There is no need to be anxious about it. If you believe it is inappropriate behavior, you can discuss it with them and consider providing guidance or appropri...

Understanding Nocturnal Emissions and Penile Development in Teens

At 16 years old, experiencing nocturnal emissions (wet dreams) indicates that you are capable of ejaculation, which is a normal part of sexual development. It's common for individuals to notice differences in their anatomy, such as the appearance of the penis and the foreski...

Dr. Fu Shizhang reply Urology
It could be phimosis. If the glans cannot be exposed at all, surgical intervention for the foreskin is recommended.

Frequent Urination in Young Boys: Causes and Solutions

Hello Dr. Tsai: My little boy, who is six years old, has recently been going to the bathroom frequently during the day, almost every hour, and sometimes even every few minutes. However, at night when he is asleep, this does not occur. He has not complained of any pain while urina...

Dr. Cai Bingkun reply Urology
Hello! During a child's growth process, there may be a period where they exhibit this symptom, which is often caused by psychological factors, such as a desire to gain the attention of elders or due to stress. If the situation becomes bothersome, a visit to a urology clinic ...

Bedwetting and Tourette Syndrome: Understanding Pediatric Challenges

Hello, my son is 8 years old and is about to graduate from second grade to third grade. He still wets the bed at night, so I wake him up to use the bathroom around 3 AM every day. Sometimes when I wake him up, he has already wet the bed (2-3 times a week). He is currently unable ...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
If behavioral therapy is ineffective, it is recommended to consult a pediatric nephrologist for examination to rule out any pathological causes, such as urinary tract infections, diabetes, proteinuria, or diabetes insipidus. Additionally, if it is determined to be primary enuresi...