A prospective study on adult onset nocturnal enuresis in females

Introduction: Nocturnal Enuresis means wetting the bed. Many people wet the bed at night, although few people talk about it. In fact, one person in every 100 may be affected throughout adult life. Most people think that no one else has this problem. Many people never seek help because they are too embarrassed. Nocturnal enuresis is common in older community dwelling women with urinary incontinence. It may serve as a marker of fall risk even in women who do not seek care for urinary symptoms. Aim of the study: To analyze the causes of adult onset nocturnal enuresis in female inpatients and outpatients and utilize these results, for proper management of nocturnal enuresis at an early stage. Materials and Methods: The study was a prospective study conducted from January 2016 to June 2017 in the institute of urology, madras medical college, Chennai. This was a study involving 600 women and the inclusion criterion was women aged ⩾18 years. The data included are patient’s age, ambulatory status, medical and surgical history, classes of taking drugs, and urinary tract infection and menopausal status. The results were analysed statistically using appropriate methods. Observations and results: The mean age of the women was 47.5 years. The prevalence of adult-onset nocturnal enuresis was 60/500 (12%), and this increased significantly with increasing age and history of previous surgery (e.g., hysterectomy). The patients taking cardiac drugs were 15 and diuretics 8. Urinary tract infection was identified in 22 patients. 18 patients were bed ridden. Diabetes mellitus was found in 36 patients. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of adult onset nocturnal enuresis was 12% amongst female inpatients and outpatients in the urology department. Childhood bedwetting is considered an indicator of developmental problems with the bladder itself, whereas bedwetting in adults suggests an underlying medical condition that requires medical evaluation and, potentially, treatment.