What Causes Enuresis?
Doctors don’t always know the exact cause of nocturnal enuresis. They do have some theories, though, on what may contribute to someone developing the condition: • Hormonal problems. A hormone called antidiuretic hormone, or ADH, causes the body to produce less urine at night. But some people’s bodies don’t make enough ADH, which means their bodies may produce too much urine while they’re sleeping. • Bladder problems. In some people with enuresis, too many muscle spasms can prevent the bladder from holding a normal amount of urine. Some teens and adults also have relatively small bladders that can’t hold a large volume of urine. • Genetics. Teens with enuresis often have a parent who had the same problem at about the same age. Scientists have identified specific genes that cause enuresis. • Sleep problems. Some teens may sleep so deeply that they don’t wake up when they need to pee. • Medical conditions. Medical conditions that can trigger secondary enuresis include diabetes, constipati
