Incontinence

Conditions and Treatments

The term enuresis can be used to define two conditions: diurnal for daytime plus nighttime and nocturnal only for nighttime. Primary enuresis is seen in children, who have never had a period of being totally toilet trained, whereas secondary enuresis occurs after a period of being dry for at least 6 to 12 months.

Diurnal and nocturnal enuresis have different patterns and causes. Each warrants a different treatment plan, although both conditions overlap and some similarities exist between treatments.

While some children are wet from purely anatomical causes, the majority are wet because they have acquired an abnormal pattern of urination in which the various parts of the urinary tract are not working together properly. Fortunately, with training, these children can be coached into a normal pattern of urination. The goal of the Pediatric Urology Children's Continence Clinic is to educate the family so they can take part in the training program. Once the reason for the problem is recognized, the battle is half won.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated May 8, 2007