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6 Facts About Daytime Wetting

More young people have problems wetting during the day than you might think
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1. It's actually quite common
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Daytime wetting could be anything from damp underwear to a full wee before you get to the toilet.

It can be embarrassing to talk about wetting. You might think you’re the only person it’s happening to, but you’re not.

ERIC, the bladder and bowel charity, say that in an average sized secondary school there will be around 30 young people who have problems with wetting or problems with their poo.

If it’s happening to you, it’s a good idea to visit your GP.

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2. It could be caused by constipation
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Most people need to go for a poo about four times a week. Any less than this, and you could be constipated.

When you’re constipated, your bowel is full up with poo and could be pressing on your bladder, causing wee to leak out.

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3. Bladder infections can be to blame
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Bladder infections can make you feel like you need to wee a lot, but when you actually go, there may only be a few drips. Your wee could be smelly or cloudy and it could be painful to wee. Infections can also cause wetting during the day and night.

If you’re experiencing any of these problems, visit your GP. They will test your wee for an infection and prescribe treatment.

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4. Sometimes pelvic floor muscles are weak
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The ‘pelvic floor’ is the name given to the muscles supporting the bladder. If they are weak, wee can leak out. You can do exercises to help strengthen your pelvic floor, giving you more control over your bladder.

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5. An overactive bladder can cause wetting
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Your bladder is big enough to hold your wee, but it can become ‘twitchy’. This means your bladder sends a message to your brain to empty before it’s full. This makes it difficult to get to the toilet in time.

If you think this is happening to you, make an appointment to see your GP.

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6. Drinking well and going to the toilet regularly can help
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Drinking regularly through the day can help to increase the amount your bladder can hold. It’s recommended that you drink 6-8 water based drinks, evenly spaced, throughout the day. Try to avoid caffeinated and fizzy drinks as these can irritate the bladder.

Make sure you go to the toilet for a wee every one and a half to two hours throughout the day. It’s important you empty your bladder when you go for a wee, but you don’t need to push wee out like you do a poo; just relax.

how to get help

If you have any more questions on this area or would like to speak to somebody about this topic, have a look at the links or search for your local services in the blue box below. Alternatively you can always contact your school nurse.

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