My 5 year old son appears to be 'holding' his urine and then has difficulty relaxing the muscles involved enough to void his bladder completely. He'll say that he went to the bathroom when he felt like he had to but that his 'winkie' wouldn't let him go. He is probably doing this to some extent during the day but 'winkie wouldn't let me go' part usually happens around bedtime. We think that there is some truth to this but that he is also using it to a certain extent as an excuse to delay bedtime or to get up from bed after 'lights-out'. We've asked whether he is experiencing any pain in the area and he says 'no'. His urine doesn't look or smell funny either. He doesn't have any reason/symptoms of dehydration. We've talked with him about it letting him know that it isn't good to hold off going to the bathroom and told him that what he is experiencing is a consequence of holding it. I know that if he continues to hold his urine it can lead to other problems. I thought I would ask if other moms have experience with this and could recommend a course of action. My next step is taking him to the doctor.
Thanks to everyone for your responses. I did take my son to the doctor and they tested his urine. It was negative for any problems. He had about another week of getting up/down at bedtime and saying his 'winkie won't let me go, mama'. After this short time though it just seemed to fade away. We did make sure that he went to the bathroom before he got in the bed and we didn't fill up his water cup at night - there was only enough for a couple of sips (my son has allergies and we had got in the habit of making sure that he had a 1/2 full+ glass of water by his bedside). Since that time he hasn't had any problems and he goes to the bathroom fine - voiding completely. Thank the Lord!
Take him to the doctor because he probably can not use it there is something wrong. Take him now. because he can get a bladder infection.
He might have a urinary track infection and feel no symptoms because this does happen sometimes. Try giving him cranberry juice but I would consider the doctor. That would be the best idea
Go to the doctor. It could be one of many things.
Infection may not always look funny or smell,
urinary tract reflux, yeast infection,
there could be blood in the urine and you can't see it with the eye. When he urinates, does it come out straight or go another direction? Watch at the start because by this age they have adjusted somewhat. This could be from the circumsission being off just a little but he would still look normal. Has he had strep? Do his joints hurt? The tube just might not be wide enough and can be stretched. The list is longer, I am just a mother. A look and urine test & culture by your pediatric doctor is a good place to start. Hope it is nothing.
I am sorry I am not sure what to tell you, I am a new mom, my Daughter is 6 months. Good luck with it all though, I hope that it gets better for you all!
J.
