How to Overcome Paruresis

Paruresis is a psychological condition that is often referred to as shy bladder syndrome. Sufferers have a fear of urinating in front of others or not having total privacy when they need to use the bathroom. This can make using a public restroom difficult if not impossible for paruretics, interfering with many everyday activities, including their work and social life. Because this phobia is often kept hidden, it's hard to know how many Americans are affected, but Paruresis.org puts the number at 17 million.

Instructions

• 1

  Make an appointment with your doctor, who may want to run some tests to rule out a medical reason for your paruresis.

• 2

  Ask your doctor about using self-catheterization to help you overcome the paruresis. Using a catheter to drain the urine can be a way for a patient to find relief from the discomfort of holding in the urine.

• 3

  Receive a referral to a psychologist. Your doctor will likely recommend a visit to a behavior specialist, who may use a combination of counseling and anti-anxiety medication to treat the paruresis.

• 4

  If you are a man with paruresis, use an enclosed or private bathroom instead of a urinal. Sufferers also find that scheduling times to urinate can reduce their anxiety about using the bathroom.

• 5

  Join a support group. The International Paruresis Association's website has a link to support groups throughout the country for sufferers of shy bladder syndrome. You can contact the listed leader of the group for information on meetings and events.

• 6

  Consider hypnosis, a behavioral therapy that can relieve anxiety about going to the bathroom in public. Ask your psychologist about this treatment option.