Urinary incontinence, or enuresis, in kids is when they accidentally pee. This can happen during the day or at night, even after they’re old enough to stay dry. It occurs even though their bodies have developed as expected.

Urinary incontinence is common and usually resolves on its own. Boys typically achieve bladder control later than girls. About 15% of kids still face this issue after age 5.

Signs of urinary incontinence may include:

• Daytime wetting
• Nighttime wetting
• Peeing too often or not enough
• Wiggling, dancing, squatting or holding themselves before using the bathroom
• Sudden and unexpected urges to pee
• Repeat urinary tract infections

Several types of urinary incontinence can affect kids. Knowing the kind your child has can help guide the best care and support.

Types of urinary incontinence that can occur in kids:

• Primary enuresis: When a child has never fully mastered toilet training
• Secondary enuresis: When a child is dry for a while but then returns to having periods of incontinence
• Daytime incontinence: When the child wets during the day
• Nighttime incontinence: When a child wets the bed during the night

Wetting accidents can occur for several reasons.

Causes may include:

• Poor or delayed toilet training
• Delay in bladder control, which is common until age 5
• Small bladders
• Poor sleep habits or sleep disorders
• A problem with the hormones that help regulate urination

Expert care: Children's Wisconsin is committed to helping kids with urinary incontinence. We help them stay dry and overcome the worry of wetting issues.

Award-winning care: U.S. News & World Report ranked urology care at Children's Wisconsin among the best in the nation. Our urology team cares for kids with urinary incontinence.

For questions or to schedule a visit, please call (877) 607-5280.

Before

Before your child’s visit, we may ask you to fill out forms about:

• Your child's bathroom habits and fluid intake
• Their health history
• Any concerns

We may also ask that your child drink fluids so we can collect a urine sample.

During

During your child’s visit, they’ll meet with a urology expert. You’ll discuss your child’s medical history, bathroom habits, and fluid intake.

They may observe or examine your child, including their genital area. You may want to talk to your child ahead of time about the exam.

After

The doctor will explain their findings. They will also discuss whether your child needs further testing or treatment.