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  • With Mayo Clinic urologist

    Erik Castle, M.D.

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Mayo Clinic Health Manager

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Question

Adult bed-wetting: A concern?

My 24-year-old husband has started to wet the bed at night. What causes adult bed-wetting? Should we be concerned about this?

Answer

from Erik Castle, M.D.

Bed-wetting that starts in adulthood (secondary enuresis) is uncommon and requires medical evaluation. Cause may include:

  • Diabetes
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Urinary tract stones
  • Prostate enlargement
  • Bladder cancer
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Neurological disorders

Rarely, acute anxiety or other emotional disorders may be the cause of adult bed-wetting. A doctor may be able to identify the cause of adult bed-wetting based on:

  • Medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Urine tests
  • Urologic examinations and tests
  • Neurological evaluation

Treatment of adult bed-wetting is directed at the underlying cause, when possible.

AN00688

Nov. 16, 2007

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