7 year old girl still wets her pants

Posted by Cathy on June 24, 1999 at 23:34:36
our 7 year old daughter still wets her pants, she has wet even
after using the toilet.  Most of the time it's just a little as
she runs to the toilet, sometimes it's a lot.  She has had her
urine tested for bladder infections a couple of times, they have
turned out negative.  She has a odor most of the time also which
smells like she has a yeast infection, the doctor doesn't seemed
worried about this either.  I wet my bed and pants through about
3rd grade, I couldn't control it.  Is there anything I can do for
her?  The kids are just starting to tease her and I don't want
that to follow her through school.  Is this normal for her to
still be wetting?  She doesn't wet at night at all and hasen't
for years.  I just don't know if it's behavorial or physical.  
Please give me any suggestions on any help I might get on this
subject.
Thank you

Posted by HVM M.D. - EV on June 29, 1999 at 20:18:10
Dear Kathy,
   It sounds like you have had a lot of good advice with regard to your daughter.  I just would like to add one more recommendation:  Make sure your daughter takes the time to finish her voiding (urinating) when going to the toilet. Some children rush through their toileting and never completely void - leaving them wet, with residual odor. Also, sometimes little girls retain a little urine in their vaginal area - again if they do not void completely. So - I would encourage your daughter to sit for an extra minute or two after voiding to allow for complete emptying of the bladder.
   I doubt if there is any serious problem, given she is dry overnight. Stress or anxiety may play into her condition.
   Good luck - Dr. EV