Enuresis in Adults: Why Nocturnal Urinary Incontinence Occurs

Nocturnal urine leakage in an adult is not rare and not a cause for shame. It is a symptom with explainable causes. Shame is no reason to stay silent: people consult a doctor about this.

What enuresis in an adult is and how it differs from urinary incontinence

Nocturnal enuresis is urinary incontinence that occurs during sleep. At age 15 and older, enuresis occurs in approximately 1% of people. In more than three quarters of those affected, enuresis occurs during sleep.

Urinary incontinence is a broader concept: it is any involuntary leakage of urine. It occurs with stress (coughing, laughing, lifting heavy objects), with a sudden strong urge, with incomplete bladder emptying, and also as a mixed type. Nocturnal leakage is one of the variants, not a separate diagnosis in itself.

Why enuresis occurs in adult men

There is no single common cause for all cases of enuresis. In men, the cause may be an enlarged prostate and other prostate problems. Overflow bladder with leakage is more common specifically in men; its causes include tumors, kidney stones, diabetes, and certain medications.

General risk factors also play a role: age, at which the muscles of the urinary tract weaken, diabetes, obesity, prolonged constipation, smoking.

Alcoholic enuresis: how alcohol affects nocturnal urination

Alcohol and caffeine are named among the causes of urine leakage during sleep in adults. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks make the kidneys produce more urine and irritate the bladder.

Diseases in which nocturnal enuresis appears

Among the conditions associated with nocturnal leakage in adults are urinary tract infection, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, sleep apnea, diabetes insipidus. Urge incontinence may be a sign of urinary tract infection and occurs in neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. Some cases are caused by temporary factors — an infection or a new medication; when the cause goes away, the leakage stops.

Which examinations help find the cause

The doctor asks about symptoms and may ask the person to keep a voiding diary for several days: how much and when the person drinks, when and how much they urinate, whether there is leakage. An examination is performed, including a rectal examination. Urine and blood tests, urodynamic and imaging examinations are used.

• voiding diary for several days
• urine and blood tests
• rectal examination in men
• urodynamic tests
• imaging examinations

When to consult a urologist or neurologist

People consult a doctor for any type of urinary incontinence. This is the first step toward being able to manage the problem effectively. A neurologist is needed if the leakage is associated with a neurological disease or spinal cord injury.

Nocturnal leakage by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance; 103/112 — if the condition is life-threatening (general emergency signs).

This material is for reference: it explains what happens and why, but does not replace a doctor's consultation. The cause of nocturnal leakage is sought at an appointment, not on the internet.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer