Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Causes Bed Wetting in Boys?

Amanda R. Bell
Amanda R. Bell

Bed wetting in boys, medically known as nocturnal enuresis, can be caused by a multitude of issues, most of which have no long-term implications and are not usually indicative of current health problems. While bed wetting is typical for boys up until 7 years of age, it can continue longer. The most common bed wetting causes are genetics, an underdeveloped bladder, deep sleep, and stress. Bed wetting in boys can also be caused by an infection and, in some cases, can be one of the first signs of childhood diabetes.

While many children experience involuntary urination while they are sleeping, this is more common in boys than it is in girls. One of the primary causes of bed wetting in boys is actually genetics. Studies indicate that if both parents wet the bed past the age of 7, their son has an 80% chance of doing the same. Chances of a child wetting the bed are also increased if any close relatives, such as aunts, uncles, or grandparents, did the same.

Talking with a child's pediatrician can be beneficial in addressing a bed wetting issue.
Talking with a child's pediatrician can be beneficial in addressing a bed wetting issue.

Children develop at different rates. This often applies to their organs, specifically the bladder. Bed wetting in boys is often caused by a bladder that has yet to fully grow, making it too small to keep up with urine production through the night. This, coupled with underdeveloped nerves in the bladder that makes it difficult for a child to know he needs to urinate, is often the cause for bed wetting in boys. Deep sleeping, which is typical for active young boys, can also be a cause for bed wetting; the child simply cannot wake up despite having the urge to go to the bathroom.

Many children experience involuntary urination while sleeping, more so boys than girls.
Many children experience involuntary urination while sleeping, more so boys than girls.

Apart from physical issues, bed wetting in boys can also be caused by emotional issues, specifically stress. While stress itself does not cause a child to wet the bed, the behaviors the child uses to deal with the stress may. This can include eating too many salty foods, drinking too much before bed, or simply forgetting to go to the bathroom before falling asleep. Eating and drinking is a common means for both children and adults to combat stress, and forgetfulness is a typical side effect of stress. All of these elements combined can cause a young boy to wet the bed.

Young children can have bladders that are not fully matured, so a combination of small bladder and underdeveloped bladder nerves can cause bed wetting.
Young children can have bladders that are not fully matured, so a combination of small bladder and underdeveloped bladder nerves can cause bed wetting.

While bed wetting in boys is usually not a medical issue per se, in some cases it can be. A bladder or kidney infection can often cause bed wetting. For some children, bed wetting can also be linked to childhood diabetes. One of the first symptoms of diabetes is frequent urination. Whether or not a child wets a bed, children naturally have less bladder control than an adult. When a child suddenly needs to urinate more often than he is used to, bed wetting can occur.

Bed wetting is typical for boys up until 7 years of age.
Bed wetting is typical for boys up until 7 years of age.

Bed wetting in boys is relatively common and can usually be managed with help from parents. Limiting fluids before bed and making sure the child goes to the bathroom right before crawling under the covers can significantly reduce the occurrence of involuntary urination. It is also important for parents to understand that bed wetting is rarely, if ever, a sign of laziness or a show of defiance; a young boy typically feels embarrassed by bed wetting and would stop if he could. If a medical issue is suspected, talking with the child’s pediatrician may be beneficial in addressing the problem.

Discussion Comments

MrsPramm

@Ana1234 - Unfortunately the kind of people who are going to make a federal case out of their child wetting the bed aren't going to listen to reason if they are told they're making it worse.

What concerns me is that child bed wetting has become so associated with psychological problems that people might not consider that it could actually be a real medical problem, like diabetes.

Ana1234

@croydon - There are a wide variety of bed wetting solutions and people always think theirs is the best one but I think the most important aspect of this is to make sure your child isn't ashamed by their bed wetting because that will only make it worse.

If he has a single accident and you make a big deal out of it, it could bring on anxiety and make him more likely to do it again, eventually compounding the problem.

Likewise those horrible systems that sound an alarm when they sense moisture can make it impossible for the poor kid to sleep properly because they will be constantly anticipating the alarm.

I honestly think this often only becomes a problem because people make it into a problem.

croydon

I actually read an article about this a while ago where a doctor suggested that in order to stop bed wetting you need to get more fiber into the diets of your children. He speculated that often if there is no other more obvious cause, the problem might be that the colon is backed up from constipation, which kids don't really know how to recognize, and it can put pressure on the bladder during the night.

He suggested that you should try giving your child a very mild laxative along with improving their diet and it could clear up the problem quite quickly.

Considering the kinds of junk food that many children eat, while refusing their vegetables, this actually seems like a pretty good theory to me.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Talking with a child's pediatrician can be beneficial in addressing a bed wetting issue.
      By: nyul
      Talking with a child's pediatrician can be beneficial in addressing a bed wetting issue.
    • Many children experience involuntary urination while sleeping, more so boys than girls.
      By: aletia2011
      Many children experience involuntary urination while sleeping, more so boys than girls.
    • Young children can have bladders that are not fully matured, so a combination of small bladder and underdeveloped bladder nerves can cause bed wetting.
      By: rob3000
      Young children can have bladders that are not fully matured, so a combination of small bladder and underdeveloped bladder nerves can cause bed wetting.
    • Bed wetting is typical for boys up until 7 years of age.
      By: robyelo357
      Bed wetting is typical for boys up until 7 years of age.
    • Bed wetting can sometimes be the first sign of childhood diabetes.
      By: rkris
      Bed wetting can sometimes be the first sign of childhood diabetes.
    • Emotional stress may cause bed betting in boys.
      By: elisabetta figus
      Emotional stress may cause bed betting in boys.