Nocturnal Enuresis: Causes and When to Seek Help

Nocturnal enuresis

Currently, I work as an engineer with long hours (8 AM to 10 PM) and high stress.
However, I exercise regularly for over 30 minutes almost every day, maintain a normal diet, and drink at least 4000 ml of water daily.
I also frequently urinate and make sure to use the restroom before bed.
Yesterday morning, I woke up at 6 AM to use the bathroom and upon returning, I found that the bed was wet.
While cleaning, I discovered it was urine.
Five days ago, I fell and hit my lower back, which caused some temporary numbness in my legs, but after resting for a night, I was able to walk normally the next day.
During this time, my urination habits have been normal both day and night.
Therefore, I am unsure what caused this sudden bedwetting.
Should I see a doctor?

Nìmíng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/02/11

Dr. Liu Mingyue reply Urology

It is recommended to visit a medical facility for consultation.
Wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2020/02/11

More Info

Nocturnal enuresis, commonly known as bedwetting, can be a distressing condition for adults and may arise from various underlying causes. Given your situation, it’s essential to explore potential factors that could contribute to this sudden change in your urinary habits.

Firstly, it’s important to consider the physical aspect. You mentioned that you recently experienced a fall that resulted in some bruising to your lower back and spine. While you were able to walk normally afterward and did not notice any immediate issues with your bladder control, it’s possible that the trauma could have affected your nervous system or bladder function in ways that are not immediately apparent. The spine plays a crucial role in the communication between the brain and the bladder, and any injury could potentially disrupt this connection, leading to issues like enuresis.

Additionally, you noted that you maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet, which is excellent. However, the high volume of fluid intake (over 4000 ml daily) could also be a contributing factor. While staying hydrated is important, excessive fluid intake, especially close to bedtime, can lead to increased urine production at night, making it more likely for bedwetting to occur. It might be beneficial to monitor your fluid intake in the hours leading up to sleep and see if reducing it has any positive effects.

Stress is another significant factor that can influence bladder control. You mentioned that you work long hours and experience high levels of stress. Stress can lead to various physiological responses, including increased urgency and frequency of urination, and in some cases, it may contribute to involuntary urination during sleep. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, or even speaking to a mental health professional could be beneficial.

Given the sudden onset of nocturnal enuresis, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly imaging studies to assess any potential injury to the spine or bladder. They may also conduct a urinalysis to rule out any infections or other urinary tract issues that could be contributing to your symptoms.

In summary, while occasional bedwetting can happen to anyone, especially after a physical injury, it’s important to investigate the underlying causes, particularly since this is a new occurrence for you. Consulting with a healthcare provider will help determine if there is a need for further investigation or treatment. They can provide guidance on managing your symptoms and addressing any potential issues related to your recent fall, stress levels, or fluid intake. Taking these steps can help you regain control and alleviate any concerns you may have regarding this condition.

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