Question:

My son was born with hypospadias. He is now 6 years old and is wetting his pants at school. The teacher has now told us to put him into nappies. I do not feel this should be done because of the psychological effect. He does not wet his pants at home or while with us as we have taught him that should we ask him if it is time, he knows he needs to go to the toilet. We have explained his problem to his teacher and asked her to please send him to the toilet regularly. Please can you give me advice.

Answer:

I doesn’t sound like the condition is related to his hypospadias condition. Onset of daytime incontinence only at school usually is not due to a medical condition. I do not think it is a good idea to place him in a diaper or nappy. It would be a good idea to have his urine checked for infection. Having him use the restroom on a schedule every 90 to 120 minutes should help him stay dry. In addition, you should monitor his bowel movements, and make certain that he has a good soft bowel movement each day, because significant constipation, even large stools, can predispose to urinary incontinence. If his condition worsens, then he should be evaluated by a specialist or urotherapist.

For more information:

Go to the Urinary and Genital Disorders (Children) health topic.