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Young people and teenage bedwetting
- 0-1 Years
- 1-5 Years
- 5-11 Years
- 11-19 Years
- SEND
- Peeing, pooing and toileting
Bedwetting in older children and teenagers is not uncommon and can be caused by a number of different reasons. It is important to remember that bedwetting is a medical condition and is not the young person’s fault.
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Tips to help with bedwetting
Bedwetting can be especially distressing for older children and teenagers. It can be embarrassing and lower self-esteem and self-confidence. It's important for you to reassure and support them.
Along with your support, other things that can help include:
- drinking water and avoid drinking caffeinated drinks, fizzy drinks, squash or cordial, and hot chocolate. Read more about how much your teenager should drink
- having regular toilet breaks, sitting to pee when possible
- stopping drinking two hours before bedtime
- going to the toilet twice before bed
- trying pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles
It's important to encourage your young person or teenager to follow these steps each day.
Pelvic floor exercises to help with bedwetting
Pelvic floor muscles relax when you go to the loo and tighten when you finish, which stops pee and poo leaking out. Good pelvic floor muscles can stop pee leaking, and helps to keep the bladder healthy and strong. This in turn can help with bedwetting.
Weak pelvic floor muscles can be caused by:
- constipation
- lack of exercise
- being overweight
- heavy lifting
- coughing a lot
Pelvic floor exercise
- Sit, stand or lie with knees slightly apart.
- Slowly squeeze inside and pull up the muscles you use to stop pee leaking and to stop farting. It can help to imagine stopping yourself from peeing or farting.
- Avoid holding your breath or tightening your legs and bottom.
- Hold for up to 10 seconds and then slowly relax.
- Repeat up to 10 times.
- When you get really good at it you can pull the muscles quickly, hold and relax immediately.
It's important not to do these exercises whilst going for a wee. This can lead to other issues. Try this exercise whilst doing a different activity such as brushing your teeth or watching a TV programme.
Last reviewed: 1 November, 2024
