Based on a presentation by Dr. Geizhals at the NIH Conference in Bethesda, Maryland in 2017There are fewer things more embarrassing for children than wetting themselves. Enuresis, also known as incontinence or involuntary urination, is a common problem in children. Enuresis most commonly manifests itself as bed-wetting, but for children ages three to eight, daytime wetting is also not uncommon.
Enuresis can lead to a host of psychological complications, including low self-esteem, feelings of guilt and shame, and social anxiety. A child who suffers from incontinence may withdraw from friends and, for example, feel reluctant to participate in activities such as sleepovers. Effectively addressing enuresis help your child thrive.
Unfortunately, dealing with incontinence can be challenging for both children and parents. Frequently, pediatricians refer families to a urology clinic for an evaluation which includes testing the child’s urinary capacity, bladder capacity, and flow. This can accentuate feelings of shame and low self-esteem and cause the child to be embarrassed. Dr. Geizhals believes that incontinence should first be treated at home, to avoid the invasiveness a medical evaluation can cause.
Well-intending parents can also exacerbate the problem by allowing their child to wear underwear before they are ready. Often, parents put incontinent children in underwear instead of pull-ups because they believe the child will be embarrassed if anyone knew he wore a pull-up. Children usually beg for underwear, promising to stay dry before they are ready. When an accident occurs everyone feels disappointed and defeated, feeding a cycle of diminishing self-esteem and frustration.
A holistic and supportive approach to incontinence – empowering children and parents
You can expect Dr. Geizhals to provide a holistic and supportive approach to incontinence. Using a family focus, Dr. Geizhals empowers parents and their children. In therapy, the family learns tools and techniques for how to best encourage their child to use the toilet.
Working with Dr. Geizhals, you can learn to address incontinence constructively. You can devise strategies to support your children as they transition to wearing underwear full time and staying dry. For instance, you can learn to explain that wearing a pull-up as a practical solution, rather than as a punishment, until your child is able to stay dry.
Dr. Geizhals will be working with a team of other professionals to engineer an enuresis research project for the National Institute of Health, in Bethesda, Maryland. This project will be used by the NIH to study enuresis. Her contributions include solutions for incontinence in children’s daytime wetting, nighttime wetting, and treatment.
If you need help coming up with strategies to support your child with enuresis or other issues, call Dr. Geizhals to make an appointment today, or just fill out the contact form and click Send.
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