Urinary Incontinence Treatment for Children

Restoring Confidence and Comfort

At Aktif International Hospitals, we understand that urinary incontinence can significantly impact a child’s quality of life and self-esteem. Our experienced pediatric urology team is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective treatment options to help children regain control of their bladder function. With a multidisciplinary approach and state-of-the-art facilities, we offer comprehensive care tailored to the unique needs of each child.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Urinary Incontinence in Children?

Urinary incontinence in children refers to the involuntary loss of urine, leading to wetting accidents or leakage. It can occur during the day (diurnal incontinence) or at night (nocturnal enuresis or bedwetting). While occasional bedwetting is common in young children, persistent urinary incontinence beyond the age of five may indicate an underlying issue that requires evaluation and treatment.

What Causes Urinary Incontinence in Children?

Urinary incontinence in children can have various causes, including:

Delayed bladder maturation: Some children may experience delayed development of bladder control, leading to temporary urinary incontinence.
Overactive bladder: Children with overactive bladder may experience sudden, intense urges to urinate and may not make it to the toilet in time.
Structural abnormalities: Anatomical abnormalities such as bladder dysfunction, urethral abnormalities, or neurogenic bladder can contribute to urinary incontinence.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Infections of the urinary tract can irritate the bladder and lead to urinary urgency and leakage.
Constipation: Chronic constipation can put pressure on the bladder and interfere with its function, leading to urinary incontinence.
Psychological factors: Emotional stress, anxiety, or changes in routine such as starting school or a new environment can contribute to urinary incontinence in some children.

How is Urinary Incontinence in Children Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of urinary incontinence in children may involve:

Medical history: Your child’s doctor will review your child’s medical history, including their bladder habits, toilet training, and any previous treatments for urinary incontinence.
Physical examination: A physical examination may be performed to assess your child’s overall health and look for any signs of underlying medical conditions.
Urinalysis: A urine sample may be collected and analyzed to check for signs of infection, blood in the urine, or other abnormalities.
Bladder diary: Keeping a bladder diary can help track your child’s fluid intake, voiding habits, and episodes of urinary incontinence, providing valuable information for diagnosis and treatment planning.

What are the Treatment Options for Urinary Incontinence in Children?

Treatment for urinary incontinence in children depends on the underlying cause and may include:

Behavioral therapies: Strategies such as bladder training, scheduled voiding, and fluid management techniques can help improve bladder control and reduce accidents.
Medications: Certain medications such as anticholinergics or desmopressin may be prescribed to reduce bladder spasms, increase bladder capacity, or decrease urine production.
Pelvic floor exercises: Kegel exercises and other pelvic floor muscle training techniques can help strengthen the muscles that control bladder function.
Biofeedback: Biofeedback therapy uses sensors to provide feedback on pelvic floor muscle activity, helping children learn to better control their bladder function.
Surgical interventions: In some cases, surgical procedures may be recommended to correct structural abnormalities or treat underlying conditions contributing to urinary incontinence.

When Should I Seek Medical Attention for My Child’s Urinary Incontinence?

You should seek medical attention for your child’s urinary incontinence if:

Your child is over the age of five and still experiencing frequent bedwetting or daytime accidents.
Urinary incontinence is causing emotional distress or affecting your child’s quality of life.
Your child experiences recurrent urinary tract infections.
Your child has symptoms such as pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine, or difficulty urinating.
Your child has other symptoms such as constipation, frequent urination, or excessive thirst.

Our pediatric urology specialists at Aktif International Hospitals are here to support you and your child every step of the way. If you have any concerns about your child’s urinary incontinence or would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us to make an appointment.

Author: Necmettin Penbegül

Necmettin PENBEGÜL