Symptoms of nocturnal bed-wetting

Strictly speaking, nocturnal bed-wetting is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of many other diseases. Many sufferers with a physical cause initially experience bladder weakness and have to go to the toilet more often, especially at night. It is only later in the course of the disease that nocturnal bed-wetting occurs.

If the cause is psychological, other stress-induced symptoms are also possible. Those affected can sweat more and show nervous behaviour. A change in personality is also possible.

Affected persons withdraw. Adult bed-wetters often look for excuses not to take part in joint camping trips or business trips. In older men who wet their bed because of prostate hyperplasia, frequent urination with small amounts of urine is also possible during the day.

Other symptoms are associated with the cause of bed-wetting. In the case of anatomical developmental disorders, cystitis may occur more frequently. If the uterus is lowered, a prolapse of the uterus may occur and women often suffer from bladder weakness even during the day. The symptoms are therefore as varied as the causes.

What helps against nocturnal bed-wetting?

Unlike in children, spontaneous healing is very rare in adult bed-wetting. Although diapers and pads are paid for by health insurance companies when a diagnosis is made, they are only an aid and not a cure. In addition to classic diapers, incontinence underwear is available, which looks like normal underwear from the outside and also makes business trips possible.

For psychological causes, psychotherapy and the reduction of stress can already provide relief or cure. In these cases, however, a recurrence under stressful conditions is likely. If there is a deficiency of the antidiuretic hormone, drug therapy with an artificial ADH can help the affected person.

If sleep is too deep, ring mats can help. These mats or inserts measure moisture and wake the person concerned when they perceive urine. Avoiding alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks can also prevent bedwetting, as these substances have a diuretic effect and can therefore be an additional factor in bedwetting.

In extreme cases, operations are possible in the case of anatomical malformations. This particularly affects women with a lowered uterus or men with an enlarged prostate. For many of those affected, diapers are the only permanent solution.

In the case of a medical diagnosis, these diapers are also paid for by the health insurance companies. In the absence of a diagnosis, adult diapers can be a financial burden for the person concerned. Since diapers are often associated with feelings of shame and also stress in a partnership, incontinence underpants are an alternative. These look like normal underwear from the outside and could therefore be worn well in front of other people.