Bedwetting Runs in Families-New Genetic Proof

As many families share with me, it seems that bedwetting “runs in their family”.  Parents often wonder why their children have bedwetting when none of their friends’ children are affected.  As a parent, you may be worried that you are doing something wrong in the toilet training process.

Family History

Your family history may include:

More than one child in your family with bedwetting

One or both parents with history of bedwetting

Extended family, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, with bedwetting

Genes for Bedwetting

There is NEW genetic proof that there is a genetic variant related to nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) on chromosome 6 and on chromosome 13.  This large study, reported in The Lancet, included 3882 bedwetting cases and over 31,000 controls.  Previous studies had suggested a genetic association but this is one of the largest recent studies.

Treatment

For now, treatment for bedwetting remains the same.  Bedwetting alarms to help speed up the brain-bladder connection continue to be recommended.  As genetic testing becomes more and more sophisticated, it may identify treatments to target these specific genetic mechanisms.

As a parent, you can rest assured that your family genetics affect your child’s bedwetting much more than your parenting skills.