Bed-Wetting - Exams and Tests

Exams and Tests

Any child beyond age 6 or 7 who continues to wet the bed may need to be evaluated by a health professional. The evaluation should include a urinalysis.

A medical history and a physical exam are also part of a medical evaluation of bed-wetting. If you are having your child evaluated for bed-wetting, for a week or two before your visit, keep a diary that lists when wettings occur and how much urine is released.

If the bed-wetting may be caused by other conditions, further testing may be needed. These include:

• A urinalysis and urine culture to determine whether a bladder or kidney infection is present.
• Psychological testing, if emotional stress is suspected.

If a child has uncontrollable wetting both at night and in the day, other tests may need to be done.

What to think about

Should I schedule a doctor visit to discuss my child's bed-wetting?