Types of Enuresis in Children

There are two forms of enuresis: primary and secondary.

Primary enuresis

Primary enuresis accounts for some 80% of cases of enuresis and affects between 10% and 15% of children aged 5 and over. This percentage decreases as children grow up. We refer to it as primary enuresis as the child has not yet achieved nighttime dryness over a period of at least six consecutive months.

Secondary enuresis

If an over 5 year old has achieved nighttime dryness over a period of at least six consecutive months and they start to wet the bed regularly again, this is known as secondary enuresis. The causes are generally psychological and linked to events which could have disturbed the child's routine (family problems, moving home, going back to school, the arrival of a little brother or sister...) In rarer cases, the causes can be medical and could signify the onset of diabetes, a urinary tract infection (cystitis...) or a kidney problem. In these cases, it is strongly recommended to see a doctor.