My Story – Submitted by: Colin
Nocturnal enuresis (the clinical term for bedwetting) effects millions of youngsters worldwide. Most young people outgrow it or are able to be cured of their bedwetting using bedwetting alarms, medicines, surgery, or other methods. What many people may not be aware of is the fact that a large percentage of adults suffer from this problem also and some of these deal with the issue their entire life. It’s estimated that as many as 1 to 3% of adults have problems staying dry at night. These figures could be significantly higher and it’s likely the real figures may never be known due to the attendant stigma surrounding adult bedwetting – as Cheryl B.Gartley, president of the Simon Foundation for Continence says: “Bedwetting is a closet issue within the closet issue of incontinence.” These individuals resort to wearing some form of protection to bed such as disposable diapers, cloth diapers, or plastic pants. Unfortunately these individuals are stigmatized by the public – bedwetting seems to be viewed more negatively than other forms of incontinence, why this is so is puzzling to me. The people suffering from bedwetting are reluctant to form relationships with people – imagine having to tell your significant other you have to wear diapers and plastic pants to bed – and are reluctant to spend the night at friends houses. Additionally business trips can be a nightmare for the adult plagued by bedwetting.Continue reading