My name is Sandy, and I wet the bed. Not every night, but at least twice a week. Sometimes, the effect is minimal – just a small leak in my underwear as I’m racing to make it to the restroom. Other times though, well, let’s just say I’ve started sleeping on a waterproof pad at night.

Do you need Options for a Dry Bed?

Bedwetting as an adult is one of the most embarrassing things I have gone through. I didn’t always suffer from this problem, but a weakened pelvic floor seems to be my “gift” after birthing 2 kids. My husband is very supportive, but I can tell that it bothers him, too. The constant laundering of bedclothes, waking up occasionally to wetness – it takes its toll emotionally, physically, and financially. Not only do we both lose sleep on these nights, we have spent a small fortune trying to manage the condition. Waterproof pads, disposable adult diapers and absorbent products, bedwetting alarms – we’ve tried them all and while they all have their varying degrees of success, it doesn’t really cure the problem. I still wet the bed.

And yet, even as bedwetting has cost me sleep, money, and my dignity, I have waited years to see a doctor. I guess I’ve just always felt it was embarrassing enough to share it with my husband, let alone someone I don’t really know very well. So I lived in a silent hell for the past few years, often trying to hide it from my husband as much as I am able to, and praying each night that it will be a dry one.

But I’m through with wishing and hoping. I finally summoned the courage to make an appointment with a urologist to talk about this problem, and guess what…..HE WAS NOT PHASED IN THE LEAST! He told me that he sees patients like me all the time and there are actually many options available to bedwetters, depending on the cause of their condition. Telling him was a huge weight off my shoulders too – finally sharing this with someone else and having them understand, plus hearing that there are others like me was a big relief. And, for once I have hope that there may be something that I can do to get my condition under control, which is truly empowering.

While he outlined many types of treatments I could try, I’m starting with physical therapy to hopefully regain some of the muscle control that I have lost over the years from childbirth. And if that doesn’t work, there are medications, and even surgery that may help. I feel so much more confident now that I have taken action and am on a path to fix my problem. And while I am definitely not there yet, I am hopeful that the new year will bring what I want most – a dry bed.

Millions of Americans live with adult bedwetting. It is an embarrassing and sometimes debilitating condition for many. But there are treatment options available. Talk to a specialist to learn more about what you can do to treat this issue and get your life back. Need help finding a specialist near you? Visit the NAFC Specialist Locator to find one in your area.