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?

- No name / No state given

Answer

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.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Urinary tract infection
• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Prostate gland enlargement
• Bladder cancer
• Obstructive sleep apnea

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