Adult bedwetting, also known as secondary enuresis, can sometimes indicate a serious health condition. Adult bedwetting is uncommon, however, and is always a symptom of an underlying condition. It should always be evaluated by a physician as soon as possible.

Adult bedwetting may be a symptom of diabetes. Many adults who suffer from diabetes will notice that they urinate more frequently and sometimes incontinence will occur. Other symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst, increased fatigue, unexplained weight loss and excessive hunger.

Adults with a urinary tract infection may experience adult bedwetting. When a person has a urinary tract infection they will most likely need to urinate more often. This can cause them to wet the bed as well. Other symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain during urination, strong urges to urinate, burning during urination and blood in the urine.

Urinary tract stones can be a cause of adult bedwetting. This condition can cause frequent urination, so wetting the bed may occur. Other symptoms of urinary tract stones include blood in the urine, lower abdominal pain, sweating and nausea and vomiting.

An enlarged prostate can cause adult bedwetting. Those with an enlarged prostate often get a strong urge to urinate so they may wet the bed because of this. Other symptoms of an enlarged prostate include slow or weak stream when urinating, trouble starting to urinate and incomplete urination.

Adult bedwetting may be caused by bladder cancer. When bladder cancer occurs, it can often weaken the bladder and cause adult bedwetting. Other symptoms of bladder cancer include painful urination, blood in the urine and noticeable change in bladder habits.

Obstructive sleep apnea may cause adult bedwetting. Since this is a sleeping disorder the person may not wake up when they need to urinate, causing them to wet the bed. Other symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include headaches in the morning, lethargy, waking up unrefreshed and personality changes.

Certain neurological disorders may cause adult bedwetting. Some of these neurological disorders include a spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and stroke. Since these conditions affect the central nervous system, adult bedwetting may very well be a symptom.

Sometimes anxiety disorders and depression can lead to adult bedwetting, but this is a much less common cause. Chronic constipation, certain medications, excessive use of caffeine or alcohol, and overhydration may also cause adult bedwetting.

Anytime someone experiences adult bedwetting they should consult a physician as soon as possible. The cause may be easy to treat, or the cause may be a serious health condition. A physician is the only person who can figure out the cause of adult bedwetting, and they are also the only ones who can successfully treat it.