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What Causes Adult Bedwetting?

Although bedwetting is more common among children, this condition may occur in adults as well, and can be embarrassing and frustrating to manage. For adults who never previously experienced bedwetting, more than one occurrence may be cause for medical concern, especially if the bedwetting is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, swelling or extreme thirst. Consider this information derived from the Mayo Clinic and the National Association for Continence about the causes of adult bedwetting.

  1. Bladder Disorders

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, disorders of the bladder or urinary tract are a cause of bedwetting in adults. Cancer of the bladder may cause bedwetting and incontinence in adults because of a smaller capacity and less control of the bladder muscles as a result of the growth. Obstructions such as stones in the urinary tract may also be a cause of adult bedwetting.

    Hormone Disorders

    • According to the National Association for Continence, problems with the antidiuretic hormone can cause adult bedwetting for several reasons. As a result of diabetes, the body does not make enough antidiuretic hormone, resulting in too much urine production at night, which can fill the bladder beyond its capacity and cause bedwetting. In some people with diabetes, the kidneys may not respond properly to the amount of antidiuretic hormone made by the body, which can also result in excessive nighttime production of urine in adults.

    Infections

    • Infections of the organs of the urinary system or those near it may be a cause of adult bedwetting. In men, infection or inflammation of the prostate gland may cause bedwetting. According to the Mayo Clinic, urinary tract infections, which are more common in women than men, can also cause adult bedwetting.

    Irritants

    • According to the National Association for Continence, chemicals that irritate the bladder may be a cause of adult bedwetting. Drinking caffeine or alcohol can stimulate and irritate the bladder and cause bedwetting and excessive urine production. Smoking tobacco can also irritate the lining of the bladder and may be a cause of adult bedwetting.

    Medications

    • Medications that are used to treat certain health conditions can cause adult bedwetting. According to the National Association for Continence, medicines such as clozapine and risperidone that are used to treat schizophrenia can cause bedwetting in adults. Medications used to treat sleep disorders and epilepsy may also be a cause.

    Sleep Disorders

    • According to the National Association for Continence, some types of sleep disorders may cause adult bedwetting. Obstructive sleep apnea may be a cause of bedwetting in adults, particularly in those who are obese. Adults who experience nightmares or other sleep disturbances may also have bedwetting incidents.

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