Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with
the NHS website.
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Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything
from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit.
You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website,
or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.
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BedwettingBedwetting is common and often runs in families. It can be upsetting, but most children and young people will grow out of it. See a GP or school nurse for advice. Things you can do at home to help with bedwettingDogive your child enough water to drink during the day make sure your child goes to the toilet regularly, around 4 to 7 times a day, including just before bedtime agree with your child on rewards for positive actions, such as a sticker for every time they use the toilet before bed use waterproof covers on their mattress and duvet make sure they have easy access to a toilet at night
Don'tdo not punish your child - it is not their fault and can make bedwetting worse do not give your child drinks containing caffeine, such as cola, tea and coffee - this can make them pee more do not regularly wake or carry your child in the night to use the toilet - this will not help in the long term
Bedwetting in young children is normalMany children under the age of 5 wet the bed. It can take some time for a child to learn to stay dry throughout the night. See a GP if:
- you've tried things you can do at home and your child keeps wetting the bed
- your child has started wetting the bed again after being dry for more than 6 months
Treatments from a GPIf your child keeps wetting the bed, a GP will be able to suggest options such as: - a bedwetting alarm
- medicine to reduce how much pee your child makes at night
The GP will check if treatment is helping. They'll also be able to offer support if you are finding it hard to cope. If these treatments do not work, your child may be referred to a specialist. Causes of bedwettingThere are many reasons why a child might wet the bed. Causes include: - not feeling the need to pee while sleeping
- making too much pee at night
- stress at home or at school
Bedwetting may also be caused by an underlying health condition such as diabetes or constipation. More information and advice on bedwetting |
OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic. | ![](/images/spacer.gif) |
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Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.
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