Pee & Urine Issues - Pain, Bed-Wetting, Amount & Frequency / Question
Published: March 30, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm almost 18 years old and have been wetting my bed all my life. Instead of getting better, my condition has gotten worse. I want to attend college away from home, so my question is: is it safe to take DDAVP (hopefully I can get the tablets) on a regular basis? For some reason or another my doctor seems hesitant to give me the medicine and stresses that I should "only use it when necessary". Also I was wondering if bed- wetting (not DDAVP) has any side effects. Often in the morning, usually after wetting the bed, I'm extremely weak, dizzy, and several times I've had to immediately lay down, wherever that may be, for even 20 minutes until I find enough energy to walk and get a glass of water. I feel dehydrated and can't eat anything, and usually take me an hour to feel somewhat normal. Do you think this is associated with my bedwetting, or is it something else? I'm worried about leaving home for college, not having privacy because of a roommate, and no private laundry facilities would be a problem if I can't take the medication regularly.
Signed: 18 And Bed Wets
Dear 18 And Bed Wets,
Bedwetting is actually a very common problem that can persist into the teen years. The worries you have about privacy and potential embarrassment are understandable, and the questions about treatment with medication are excellent, but TeenHealthFX is concerned about your description of symptoms. Is your doctor aware of the symptoms? Feeling extremely weak, dizzy, dehydrated and needing to lie down is not normal. There are hormonal problems related to bedwetting that could cause these symptoms, but even if those symptoms are not related to the bedwetting, you need to see a doctor as you need to have a thorough evaluation and possibly have some tests done. DDAVP is usually not given only "when necessary" as it's practically impossible to know which nights are going to be a problem. So, you might want to get a second opinion from another doctor.
No medication has been convincingly shown to cure bedwetting. Desmopressin (DDAVP) is used as a bedwetting management drug. It acts to decrease the urine production at night. It is generally considered safe, but there can be DDAVP side effects.
DDAVP is used for the short-term management (4-8 weeks) of bedwetting. The drug will not cure the underlying problem that causes bedwetting and is used temporarily to control the problem while the real cause is identified and treated. Your doctor probably had some valid reason why he/she was reluctant to prescribe the medication and if you asked for the rational, he/she would probably explain it.
Bedwetting, unfortunately, has a very negative stigma attached to it. Many individuals who suffer from this disorder go through great lengths to keep it from others out of fear of being ridiculed. Sleeping outside the home is a source of great anxiety and is usually avoided. Judging by your concern about college, you probably have dealt with this worry your whole life.
The most important thing you need to do right now is talk to your doctor. If you do not have a doctor and live in Northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center For Health at 973.889.6350 for an appointment.
Your bedwetting is manageable. With the proper professional help, you will be able to lead a much more flexible life.
Please make sure that you get your other symptoms checked out immediately.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
One in four teenage girls in the 
