Urinary Incontinence in Children and Adolescents

Urinary incontinence may be caused by a range of factors, and it’s important to investigate, as it may be a sign of an undiagnosed problem. 

Causes of urinary incontinence in children include: 

• urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• constipation 
• irritation of the bladder caused by certain drinks  
• avoiding going to the toilet due to anxiety (such as using a toilet outside the home)
• an overactive bladder
• problems with the bladder muscles (bladder muscle dysfunction)
• structural problems with the bladder, which may have been present from birth 
• conditions affecting the brain or spinal cord, such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida, that can affect the nerves that control bladder function

Our expert team of paediatric urologists will work with you and your child to fully understand the specific symptoms of your child’s incontinence and any underlying cause. They will begin by talking to you and your child about when the problem started and how and when accidents happen.

They may ask you to keep a diary over the course of a few days with details such as fluid intake and any urination, including leakage. Your child will also be given a physical examination to check the bladder and to look for signs of constipation. 

Further diagnostic tests may include: 

• urinalysis to check the urine for signs of infection and other issues

• urine sample collection for laboratory testing

• urinary flow test

• behavioural and physiological assessment

• ultrasound 

• blood tests

• CT or MRI scans

• urodynamic testing to assess how the bladder and urethra are functioning  

• flexible cystoscopy to look inside the bladder

There are many options to help children with urinary incontinence. Our urologists will make specific recommendations for your child’s treatment depending on the type of incontinence and any underlying cause diagnosed. 

Treatments may include: 

• behavioural and lifestyle modifications such as toilet schedules, bedtime routines, and constipation management

• counselling to help with any stress, anxiety or trauma

• medications for persistent UTIs, to reduce the sensitivity of the bladder or reduce nighttime urine production 

• physical therapy to improve muscle control

• surgery, if there's a physical problem in the urinary tract 

• support and advice for family members

At Welbeck, our leading paediatric urologists use the latest innovations in healthcare to accurately diagnose and treat urinary incontinence in our world-class outpatient clinic. Your child will receive the best possible care in a welcoming and supportive environment where you both feel supported and listened to.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure your child receives the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your child’s health is of utmost importance to us, so we strive to offer same-day and next-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance for your child, their treatment at Welbeck can begin once your provider has confirmed authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.

How can I help my child with urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence can be frustrating and embarrassing for your child. You can help them by:

• offering reassurance and encouraging them to remain patient and calm

• support them to use the toilet regularly and remind them to use the toilet before leaving the house or going to bed

• knowing what toilet facilities are available when you’re out or travelling

• communicating with your child’s school about the importance of allowing them to go to the toilet during class

• encouraging them to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and limit their intake of sugary, caffeinated or fizzy drinks, which can irritate the bladder

• encouraging them to eat a healthy diet that includes enough fibre to help with constipation and does not contain caffeine, which can irritate the bladder

• reducing fluid intake 1 to 2 hours before bed

Can urinary incontinence in children usually be cured?

Most often, children who suffer from urinary incontinence will see an improvement in their symptoms as they get older or after receiving treatment. The time taken to see an improvement will vary depending on the underlying cause and any treatment recommended.