Im 19 and female. I havent “wet the bed” since I was young, obviously. But recently it’s happened again. I’m not really embarrassed like most people would think you “should” be. I’m just confused.

It usually happens when I dream about going to the bathroom. Its happened about 3 times while sleeping at my boyfriends apartment, and once at home. (luckily my bf didnt notice….I dont think he’d understand…lol). All these events were in like the last month. Its so weird. I’m wondering if it may be a stress or insecurity thing. Im having a lot of boyfriend problems, and lots of stress at school, and my boyfriend is moving away, etc etc.

Right now I am on the verge of getting a bladder infection, which may contribute to the “need-to-pee” feeling, but the other three times I didnt have a bladder infection.

What makes me dream about peeing? What makes me not hold it? How do other adults not pee? They just…”dont”. But whats changed about me? Any ideas? Is it stress? bladder infection? Can I retrain myself to hold it? This is a recent development, its not like its been an ongoing problem.

Dr. Joshua’s Answer:

In your case, high stress and psychological factors seem likely causes for this problem. However, adult bed-wetting (enuresis, starting in adulthood) is always reason for a medical examination. There are various possible causes, including urinary tract infection, stones, diabetes, bladder diseases, neurological and psychiatric disorders.

I recommend that you visit the doctor. A thorough history and physical examination is needed, as well as some basic urine tests, and the doctor may then order further tests and consultations if he is unable to determine the cause.

Many times no physical cause can be found. The cause of adult bedwetting is sometimes psychological, related to high stress and anxiety.

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