Experiencing Bedwetting at 21 After Trauma
I am a 21-year-old woman, weighing 120 pounds and standing at 5'7". I am not currently taking any medications. At the conclusion of last semester at college, I endured a traumatic experience of sexual assault. Following this, I sought medical attention and underwent a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) examination. Approximately four weeks later, my primary care physician confirmed there was no physical damage. Recently, I began an internship in a different city and, unfortunately, did not have access to medical care during that time. Now that I am back in my college town, I find myself questioning whether this new occurrence of bedwetting is a common response to trauma. I feel a deep sense of embarrassment about this situation and fear that my physician might judge me. It’s particularly troubling since I had never experienced such an issue during my childhood.
Answers (1)
8/22/2025, 3:11:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing bedwetting in adulthood, especially after a traumatic event, can be distressing, and it’s important to understand that this is not uncommon. Many people face a range of emotional and psychological responses after trauma, which can manifest in different ways, including changes in bladder control.
Understanding Your Situation:
Trauma can impact the body and mind significantly, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, stress, and disruptions in healthy routines, all of which can contribute to issues like bedwetting. The feeling of embarrassment you’re experiencing is understandable, but it's important to know that this response doesn't reflect who you are or your worth.
Next Steps:
-
Keep a Journal: Document when bedwetting occurs, along with any thoughts or feelings you are experiencing. This can help identify patterns or triggers.
-
Establish a Comfortable Routine: Set a consistent bedtime and try to use the restroom right before sleeping, which can help reinforce habits around bladder control.
-
Stay Hydrated, but Manage Intake: Make sure to drink enough fluids throughout the day, but try to limit fluid intake a couple of hours before bedtime.
-
Consider Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga can help in managing stress and anxiety associated with the trauma you experienced.
-
Reach Out for Support: While you may feel nervous about judgment, it’s crucial to talk to a healthcare professional. They can provide support without judgment, and they might suggest helpful resources or referrals for therapy if that feels comfortable for you.
-
Consult a Specialist: If the bedwetting continues, consider seeing a urologist or a mental health professional specializing in trauma. They can provide tailored strategies and treatments.
Closing Thoughts:
It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this experience, and many people go through similar challenges after trauma. Seeking help is a strong and positive step, and focusing on self-care is equally important in your healing journey. If you need more tips or support, I'm here for you.
Related Questions
Widespread Hives Concern
I am sharing this on behalf of a friend. She is a 30-year-old female, standing at 5'6", and is of Caucasian descent. Her current medications include Lexapro and Wellbutrin, and she hasn’t been diagnosed with any medical conditions outside of depression. Just a heads up, her job involves working at a hospital, which may or may not be relevant to her situation. On August 21st, she woke up to discover hives covering her entire body, with the exception of her face. While they are somewhat itchy, the discomfort isn't overwhelming at this point. Unfortunately, by today, the situation has escalated and the rash has spread more extensively. She consulted with urgent care, but the healthcare professionals were uncertain about the cause. They recommended taking Benadryl and Zyrtec; however, she hasn’t experienced any relief with those medications. I’m trying to find some insight into what could be triggering this reaction and what her subsequent steps might be. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Experiencing Dizziness and Nausea After Standing Up
I’m a 22-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) and weighing 125 pounds (57 kg), of Asian descent. Over the past fortnight, I have been experiencing sudden spells of dizziness and nausea whenever I rise from a seated position. Typically, these episodes last for less than a minute, yet occasionally, I feel as if I might lose consciousness. While I do not experience any chest discomfort, my heart tends to race during these episodes. I have a pre-existing condition of mild iron deficiency, which was diagnosed last year. At present, I am taking Ferrous sulfate at a dosage of 325 mg once a day. I am not on any other medications, supplements, or vitamins, nor do I consume alcohol or engage in smoking or recreational drugs. Although I make an effort to stay hydrated, I may not be as diligent as needed. I am curious if these symptoms might be linked to my iron deficiency or if they could be related to my blood pressure. Should I arrange a visit to my healthcare provider soon, or is it acceptable to wait until my next scheduled check-up?
Seeking Guidance on Ongoing Health Issues
At 23 years old, I've endured a harrowing year and a half with my health. It all began with a seizure; I struggled to breathe and was violently ill, feeling faint and disoriented. In a panic, I made my way to the clinic, where numerous blood tests revealed no abnormalities, leaving me frustrated and empty-handed. The next day, I found myself unable to eat or move, as my head felt as though it might burst. I sought the opinion of a gastroenterologist, who, without conducting extensive tests, diagnosed me with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and prescribed a regimen of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. Unfortunately, my condition deteriorated rather than improved. I began suffering from relentless nausea, uncontrollable burping – numbering in the hundreds daily – persistent chest discomfort, occasionally sharp pains in my upper chest, faintness, brain fog, impaired vision, and muscle weakness. For over a year and a half, I have battled these distressing symptoms with little relief. Recently, I was diagnosed with Helicobacter pylori about six weeks ago, and initially, I hoped this would signal an end to my suffering. After receiving treatment for it, I still find myself plagued by the same issues, now accompanied by additional troubling signs: I’ve noticed bright red blood in my stool and a peculiar tingling sensation in my brain, which has led to episodes of fainting and nearly losing consciousness. My inquiry is whether all these problems stem solely from the H. pylori infection or if there might be an underlying issue that remains undiagnosed. I would greatly appreciate any advice or insight into my situation. Thank you for your help. My country sadly lacks adequate medical expertise to address these ongoing concerns.
Concern After Forehead Impact
Age: 31 Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 3 inches Weight: 145 lbs Ethnicity: Caucasian Symptoms Duration: 2 Days Affected Area: Forehead and Eye Relevant Medical History: None Current Medications: None I can't share images here, but I can send them if necessary. For the past couple of days, I’ve been experiencing persistent headaches and nerve discomfort. The impacted area on my forehead feels quite numb to the touch, yet it occasionally sends sharp pains through my nerves. Is this something I should be worried about? Unfortunately, I don’t have health insurance. The numbness in my face is localized to the spot where I took the hit, except for the nerve pain I feel when I touch it. Initially, my forehead was swollen, but I’ve noticed that the swelling has now shifted to my eye. There's also visible bruising around my eye, which is bruised in deep purples, blues, and greens. I’m increasingly anxious about the possibility of nerve issues, skull damage, or even brain injury. I can provide photographs if required.
Understanding the Long-term Effects of 4th Degree Burns on Pain
Profile: - Age: 55 - Gender: Male - Height: 5'9" - Weight: Approximately 150 lbs - Ethnicity: Caucasian Medical History: Previously struggled with addiction and has a previously healed broken lower spine. From a young age, my father endured a traumatic experience involving a gas fire when he was around five or six years old. This incident resulted in significant muscle and tissue loss in both his feet and legs; he described the painful reality of his toes melting together, necessitating skin grafts. The deformity in his feet is quite notable. Even after all these years, he continues to experience episodes of severe burning sensations accompanied by persistent pain. What intrigues me is how this phenomenon occurs. He tells me that his physician often dismisses his complaints, suggesting they may be psychological rather than physical. However, my research reveals that nerve damage from severe burns can have lasting effects, leading to chronic pain. While I can't provide any visual documentation, the distress in his legs is apparent. A recent visit to the emergency room left an impression when a nurse, unfamiliar with severe burn injuries, expressed shock at the condition of his legs. When I explained that these were actually old, healed burns, I couldn't believe her inability to recognize the situation.