Constipation can cause bedwetting by putting pressure on the bladder, making it harder to stay dry at night.

Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, happens when a person unintentionally urinates during sleep.

There are many causes of bedwetting, including constipation, family history, and certain medical conditions.

Let’s cover how constipation and bedwetting are connected, how they affect children and adults, and ways to manage them.

Constipation and bedwetting are closely linked. When stool builds up in the rectum, it can push against the bladder, making it harder to control urination at night.

This connection occurs in children and adults, though the patterns and causes can differ slightly between them.

Constipation and bedwetting in children

Research shows that constipation is common in children who wet the bed because it can affect how the bladder works in different ways. For example, it may lead to:

  • Pressure on the bladder: Chronic constipation can stretch the rectum, pressing against the bladder. This makes it harder for the bladder to hold urine, especially at night, which can lead to bedwetting.
  • Delayed recognition of bladder fullness: Children with constipation may have impaired pelvic floor coordination. This can result in poor coordination and activity of these muscles during urination and defecation.

Constipation and bedwetting in adults

Although it is less common, adults with chronic constipation may also experience bedwetting due to:

  • Pelvic muscle strain: Chronic constipation can lead to prolonged straining, which may weaken the pelvic muscles. Weakened pelvic floor muscles can make it harder to control the bladder, which may cause bedwetting.
  • Nerve damage: Persistent or severe constipation can impair nerves that regulate the bladder and bowel function, leading to bedwetting.
  • Bladder pressure: As with children, constipation can increase pressure in the abdomen and pelvis, pressing on the bladder. This makes it hard for the bladder to hold urine, causing leakage or bedwetting.

Other symptoms of constipation include:

  • passing hard or lumpy stools
  • pain or straining to have bowel movements
  • feeling like you haven’t emptied your bowels
  • bloating or abdominal pain
  • decreased appetite
  • having fewer than three bowel movements per week

Recognizing these symptoms early can help manage constipation and prevent complications like bedwetting.

Besides constipation, various factors can cause bedwetting. Some possible causes of bedwetting in children include:

  • Genetics: A family history of bedwetting increases the likelihood of the child experiencing it. If both parents did, there’s a 70% chance.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs): UTIs can make it hard for children to control their bladder, both during the day and at night.
  • Hormones: Some children don’t produce enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH), leading to higher nighttime urine output.
  • Stress and anxiety: Psychological factors, including anxiety and emotional distress, can lead to bedwetting.
  • ADHD and behavioral disorders: Children with these conditions are more likely to wet the bed.

In adults, bedwetting can result from various factors like:

  • Prostate problems: Conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or other blockages can interfere with the bladder function, leading to bedwetting.
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs): These infections may irritate the bladder, making you feel the need to urinate more often, which can trigger bedwetting.
  • Diabetes and hormonal factors: Problems with blood sugar control or hormone imbalances can increase nighttime urine production.
  • Neurological disorders: Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or spinal cord injuries can interfere with signals that control the bladder, causing bedwetting.
  • Medications: Some medications like diuretics that make you urinate more can increase the chances of bedwetting by affecting bladder control.
  • Small bladder capacity: Some people have smaller bladder capacity, either naturally or due to other health conditions, meaning their bladder can’t hold much urine through the night.
  • Sleep disorders: Obstructive sleep apnea can trigger the release of a hormone that increases nighttime urine production, leading to bedwetting.

Managing constipation-related bedwetting can involve several strategies depending on the severity of the constipation and bedwetting or underlying cause. Common strategies include:

  • adopting dietary changes like eating more fiber-rich foods and drinking plenty of water to soften stools and improve bowel regularity
  • encouraging regular toilet visits about four to seven times per day, especially before bedtime, to manage bedwetting
  • avoiding caffeine and limiting fluids in the evening to prevent excess urine production at night
  • practicing bladder training by gradually holding urine longer during the day to increase bladder capacity
  • staying active by walking, stretching, or playing outdoors to support healthy bowel movements
  • taking prescribed medications, like desmopressin (DDAVP, Minirin, Stimate), to help reduce how often you need to urinate at night
  • using a diary to monitor fluid intake and bedwetting episodes to identify patterns and triggers
  • trying moisture alarms that wake you up as soon as wetting starts
  • offering small rewards or praise to motivate your child and encourage dry nights

It’s important to get medical help if:

  • constipation or bedwetting persists despite home treatments
  • there are additional symptoms, such as abdominal pain or blood in stool
  • your child is older than 7 years and still wets the bed
  • bedwetting begins again in children after 6 months of dryness
  • you or your child are experiencing emotional distress due to bedwetting

A healthcare professional can assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Constipation and bedwetting are often connected, with constipation placing pressure on the bladder and causing nighttime accidents.

While bedwetting is more common in children, adults can experience it too. Managing constipation through diet, exercise, and behavioral strategies can help reduce bedwetting.

If symptoms persist, consider speaking with a healthcare professional for further medical guidance.