Preparing for an appointment

You're likely to start by seeing your child's pediatrician. However, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in urinary disorders (pediatric urologist or pediatric nephrologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and know what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

Before your appointment, make a list of:

• Any signs or symptoms, including any major ones that may seem unrelated to bed-wetting. Consider keeping a diary of your child's bathroom visits and wet and dry nights. Note when your child goes to the toilet and whether he or she felt a sense of urgency to urinate. Also note how much fluid your child drinks, especially after dinner.
• Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
• Any family history of bed-wetting, including siblings or parents.
• All medications, vitamins, herbs and other supplements that your child takes, and the dosages.
• Questions to ask your child's doctor so you can make the most of your time together.

Some basic questions to ask your doctor may include:

• What's causing my child to wet the bed?
• When might he or she outgrow wetting the bed?
• What treatments are available, and which do you recommend? Are there any side effects?
• Are there any alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
• Should my child follow any drinking restrictions?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Be ready to answer them to reserve time to go over any points you want to focus on. Your doctor may ask:

• Is there a family history of bed-wetting?
• Has your child always wet the bed, or did it begin recently?
• How often does your child wet the bed?
• Are there periods of time when your child does not wet the bed?
• Is your child dry during the day?
• Is your child having stool accidents?
• Does your child complain of pain or other symptoms when urinating?
• Is your child facing any major life changes or other stresses?
• If you're separated or divorced, does your child alternate living at each parent's home, and does the bed-wetting occur in both homes?
• How do you respond to your child's bed-wetting?