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Talking to the Pediatrician
How to Talk to Your Doctor about Bedwetting
By Shel Franco
When you're through answering your doctor's questions, it's your turn to get some answers. You may be interested in treatment options. Mercer says it's beneficial to ask your healthcare provider what has led to success in other children with whom they have worked.
Making a list of questions before the meeting will help you remain focused, so you can efficiently make use of your time.
This might be one of the most difficult discussions you will ever have with your doctor, especially if you and your child are experiencing feelings of blame and embarrassment over the condition. That's exactly why this is such an important discussion.
A part of you might be thinking that bedwetting goes away on its own, that you can avoid bringing up the topic. If so, you're partially correct. Dr. London points out that the occurrence of bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, does tend to decrease over time. She cites that "while 15 to 20 percent of 5-year-olds wet the bed at least twice a week, only 2 to 3 percent of 12- to 14-year-olds have the problem."
Many times, enuresis is part of the child's natural developmental process. But, especially for older bedwetters, a treatment and/or management plan, which may include using products like disposable absorbent undergarments to get through it, can aid in recovery.
And there is something even more important. Not only will talking with your doctor give you valuable answers about the condition and arm you with a plan for dealing with enuresis, it will also help you and your child let go of any shame or worries you might be experiencing and give you the tools you need to work together toward a positive outcome.