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Almost half (47%) of GPs strongly believe bedwetting is linked to a family history of the condition

A new survey undertaken on behalf of Bedwetting.ie among GPs across Ireland has shown that almost half (47%) of GPs strongly believe (77%) that bedwetting is associated with a family history of the condition and that nearly 30% strongly believe (60%) that parents are embarrassed if asked by their GP about their own experience of bedwetting as a child.1 The results of the survey were announced today to launch the No More Nappies campaign, and a new animated video available on Bedwetting.ie that can be used by parents to talk openly with their children about bedwetting, so they feel supported rather than distressed by the condition.
 
Clinical studies show there is a clear genetic component to enuresis. Compared with 15% incidence of enuresis in children from nonenuretic families, 44% and 77% of children were enuretic when one or both parents, respectively, were themselves enuretic. In fact, it was unusual for a child with enuresis not to have a close relative who was also enuretic. Bedwetting.ie is designed for parents coping with children affected by the condition, offering an online resource with useful tips and, from today (May 21), a new animated video narrated by children, capturing their experience in their own words.
 
The website also features a range of information on bedwetting including a detailed questionnaire for parents to fill in and bring to their GP in order to help determine whether their child needs further treatment. A ‘Dry Nights Diary’ is also available which parents can use to keep a close eye on any patterns that may be emerging – information which can be very useful when visiting your GP.
 
Speaking at the launch, Clinical Psychologist David Coleman explained, “This research shows that 43% of GPs believe that bedwetting, or enuresis as it is also known, has a very high impact on a child’s ability to socialise – making childhood rites of passage that we all take for granted such as sleepovers and camping trips very difficult if not impossible. Parents who have suffered from bedwetting themselves will have been through the same difficulties that their own child may now be experiencing, so it is important for parents to remember this and support their child as much as possible and resources such as Bedwetting.ie and the new animated video can be a great way to initiate a conversation with your child on the topic.”
 
Further research shows that it is common for there to be a delay of up to a year in parents seeking a medical opinion from their GP for their child, with average delays of more than a year reported by 36% of GP’s.
 
Dr Pathy Dass, Paediatric Surgeon at Tallaght Hospital, Dublin, added, “Bedwetting can be a very distressing and embarrassing condition for a child of any age, and so it is very important that parents face the issue head on and talk to their GP early, to find the most appropriate solution for their child. Although persistent bedwetting can be difficult for both the child and the parent, there are a range of different solutions available – including night-lifting, changes in diet, and medication – which can help combat the condition and I would encourage any family affected by bedwetting to log onto bedwetting.ie for further information, tips and advice.”
 
Additional findings revealed in the GP research include;

• Over two fifths (43%) of GPs have between 5-8 children with bedwetting under their care, and just over 29% have approximately double this number1
• 35% of GPs usually ask parents about their own history when treating a child with bedwetting1
• 80% of GPs strongly believe that bedwetting has a very high impact on a child’s ability to attend sleepovers1
• Only 9% of GPs believe that bedwetting is a behavioural issue, with 7% believing that it is an emotional issue1.
   

Bedwetting usually occurs when children produce a large amount of fluid at night; this is caused by low night time levels of the vasopressin hormone. Most children who wet the bed have a normal bladder, but some have a smaller capacity to retain urine. Children who wet the bed do not wake to the signals the bladder sends when it is full.
 
Check out their animated educational video for parents:
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For further information on bedwetting, speak to your GP or visit www.bedwetting.ie
The No More Nappies campaign is kindly supported by Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

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