Shy Bladder Prevents 1 in 12 From Using Public Restrooms
Shy bladder also known as Paruresis or bashful bladder prevents many from using public restrooms or urinating when other may be able to hear them. Shy bladder is a serious issue that has literally devastated the lives of many.
Shy bladder is a psychological disorder not a physiological or medical condition. Sufferers are often quite bashful and fearful of criticism. For this reason, one of the first steps to recovery is to change the perspective of the patient. The patient must realize that there is no such thing as a perfect pee. There is no rating system on the speed, force or how much noise he or she makes; and it has no impact on a person's self worth. In short, the patient must realize this is a normal bodily function and not a performance issue.
Shy bladder often begins from a simple situation. Imagine this: You're getting a new job and as part of that companies hiring practice you must undergo a drug test. The hiring company sends you to their testing facility. You're unfamiliar with the medical team and the surroundings, plus you might be a little bit nervous as to whether you're going to pass the test. With all that pressure, you're unable to urinate. Bashful bladder patients see this as a catastrophe and worries about what might happen the next time he or she is in a public place. The next time this person enters a public restroom he or she recalls the situation in the doctor's office, anxiety builds; and again, the patient is unable to release urine. Before long, the fear has manifested into a full-blown phobia.
There are many different conditions and circumstances that lead to shy bladder and every patient is different. However, many report the same symptoms. No matter how badly they have to go to the bathroom, the fear of performance is always there and often prevents the release. Patients are often unable to use public restrooms. They may also have an inability to urinate at a friend's house, and ever an inability to urinate in their own home while others are in the home.
It should also be noted that the range of severity may differs from person to person. Some will not be able to urinate at all, while others report a short hesitation. Most also report they must attain a certain comfort level prior to urination. If there is too much noise, too many odors, or the temperature in the restroom isn't comfortable, there is less chance of a successful urination. This can obviously cause distress over social engagements, long business meetings, travel, etc.
Shy bladder is a psychological disorder not a physiological or medical condition. Sufferers are often quite bashful and fearful of criticism. For this reason, one of the first steps to recovery is to change the perspective of the patient. The patient must realize that there is no such thing as a perfect pee. There is no rating system on the speed, force or how much noise he or she makes; and it has no impact on a person's self worth. In short, the patient must realize this is a normal bodily function and not a performance issue.
Shy bladder often begins from a simple situation. Imagine this: You're getting a new job and as part of that companies hiring practice you must undergo a drug test. The hiring company sends you to their testing facility. You're unfamiliar with the medical team and the surroundings, plus you might be a little bit nervous as to whether you're going to pass the test. With all that pressure, you're unable to urinate. Bashful bladder patients see this as a catastrophe and worries about what might happen the next time he or she is in a public place. The next time this person enters a public restroom he or she recalls the situation in the doctor's office, anxiety builds; and again, the patient is unable to release urine. Before long, the fear has manifested into a full-blown phobia.
There are many different conditions and circumstances that lead to shy bladder and every patient is different. However, many report the same symptoms. No matter how badly they have to go to the bathroom, the fear of performance is always there and often prevents the release. Patients are often unable to use public restrooms. They may also have an inability to urinate at a friend's house, and ever an inability to urinate in their own home while others are in the home.
It should also be noted that the range of severity may differs from person to person. Some will not be able to urinate at all, while others report a short hesitation. Most also report they must attain a certain comfort level prior to urination. If there is too much noise, too many odors, or the temperature in the restroom isn't comfortable, there is less chance of a successful urination. This can obviously cause distress over social engagements, long business meetings, travel, etc.
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