Causes of Adult Bed Wetting and Solutions

October 9, 2015

Everyone deserves a good night’s rest. But, waking up in the middle of the night to a wet mattress or lying awake worrying about making it to the restroom in time can keep you from getting the quality sleep you need. Adult bedwetting has many causes ranging from temporary to permanent. If incontinence is keeping you up, the first step is to understand the causes of adult bedwetting and their solutions.

Diet

What you put out starts with what you put in. According to the Mayo Clinic, many medications, food and drinks can stimulate your bladder and cause temporary incontinence. Alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, and artificial sweeteners are common culprits. In addition, spicy foods and large amounts of vitamins B and C can cause frequent urination. Incontinence may also be a symptom of heart and blood pressure medications as well as muscle relaxants and sedatives.

Urinary Tract Infections

An infection in the urinary tract or bladder can lead to adult bedwetting and incontinence. In addition to a loss of bladder control, these common infections can also cause a burning sensation during urination and foul-smelling urine. Incontinence caused by a UTI is typically temporary and disappears once the infection is gone.

Pregnancy and childbirth

For many women, the miracle of birth comes with the hassle of incontinence
and bedwetting. During pregnancy, the expanded uterus puts pressure on the bladder, causing sudden, uncontrollable urination. Delivery can also weaken the muscles in the pelvic floor and damage the nerves in the bladder, both of which can lead to bedwetting.

Neurological disorders

Bladder control depends on signals from the nerve endings in the bladder transmitting to the brain. Certain neurological disorders can disrupt and prevent these signals, leading to involuntary urination and bedwetting. Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke can all lead to incontinence. Spinal cord injuries and brain tumors may also be causes of bedwetting.

Obstructions

Obstructions anywhere along the urinary tract, such as tumors or kidney or urinary stones, may prevent the normal flow of urine. With typical urination halted, leaking throughout the day and night may occur.

Prostate enlargement and cancer

For men, issues with the prostate gland are common causes of bedwetting. With age, the prostate may become enlarged and press against the bladder, causing a sudden and uncontrollable urge to urinate. Undiagnosed prostate cancer may also be the culprit behind bedwetting. In addition, incontinence can be a side effect to prostate cancer treatments.

Aging

Sometimes there is no other cause behind incontinence other than the passage of time. As the body ages, changes, such as loss of tone in the bladder and pelvic muscles, can lead to a lack of bladder control.

What’s next?

No matter the cause, incontinence and adult bedwetting can be inconvenient and can make you feel embarrassed. Wearever offers a wide range of adult bedwetting solutions so that you can get a good night’s sleep, without worrying about incontinence. Bed pads can be used in conjunction with either men’s or women’s incontinence undergarments to that you can sleep through the night without stressing over your bladder.