Medical Reasons for Difficulty in Toilet Training

Most children are ready for toilet training, also known as potty training, as early as 18 to 24 months of age. When the child realizes his diaper needs to be changed, he is likely ready to begin toilet training. It usually takes 3 months or longer to potty train a child. After a child is potty trained, he may still wet the bed at night until age five or even later. Sometimes there will be a medical condition that will interfere with toilet training, which increases difficulty.

Urinary Tract Infection

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur when the child who is toilet training holds his urine or stools too often. Almost all UTIs are due to bacteria that have traveled from the bottom to the bladder.

Constipation

• Constipation makes it difficult for a child to have a bowel movement, which will interfere with toilet training. It is often painful and may cause the child to shy away from using the toilet.

Urinary Incontinence

• Urinary incontinence refers to the loss of urinary control. It can cause accidents during the day or bed-wetting. Most children outgrow this, but it could be related to other problems such as anxiety, an overactive bladder, obstructive sleep apnea or structural problems.

Medications

• If a child is experiencing difficulty with toilet training that is caused by a medical problem, the doctor may prescribe medications. There are antibiotics for UTIs, laxatives for constipation and desmopressin or imipramine for nighttime incontinence.

Tips

• Patience and daily encouragement are needed while toilet training a child. Children potty train at different paces; some are not ready until age 3 or later. Rewarding successful trips to the toilet will help encourage your child. If you suspect a medical problem, the child should see his doctor.