What exactly is a shy bladder?

Paruresis, sometimes called shy bladder syndrome (SBS), is a condition where you find it difficult or impossible to urinate when near other people. This can make it difficult to go to places where you might have to use a public restroom facility. Paruresis is believed to be a common type of social phobia, very similar to a fear of public speaking.

The condition is much more common than people realise, as many people who suffer from SBS are embarrassed and inclined to keep the condition secret, instead of seeking help. SBS can affect both sexes, of all races, but it is far more prevalent in men. Studies have shown that approximately 17 million Americans alone suffer from SBS, many of whose social and professional lives are negatively affected.

What causes shy bladder syndrome?

SBS is not usually a physical condition. Extensive research has revealed that many concerned people have visited the doctor fearing that it may be a physical condition. A thorough examination of the urinary tract often confirms that there is no bladder problem. Experts agree that shy bladder syndrome may be a psychological issue, as many symptoms can be traced back to a past, or specific, traumatic event. The syndrome usually appears during childhood school-going ages, or in the teenage years. SBS has often been linked to general anxiety, as well as embarrassment about the development of breasts or male sexual organs. However, SBS can strike at any age, and can be triggered by self-confidence issues, feelings of inadequacy, or plain embarrassment. Fortunately, it is a condition which can be successfully treated.

Here are some possible emotional causes of SBS from a young age.

• Past emotional or physical abuse.
• Sexual abuse, and ridicule of developing sexual organs.
• Toilet training which may have started too early, before the child was old enough to understand, could have led to anxiety relating to urinating.
• Being teased or hurried on by classmates, when using the school toilets.

Any of these reasons can lead to anxiety, which may lead to a person avoiding public bathrooms so as not to relive any of the anxious feelings.

Symptoms of shy bladder syndrome in later life

Symptoms affect both men and women, and can include:

• Unable to urinate in other people's homes or public toilets.
• A need for complete privacy when going to the bathroom.
• In a severe case, a person with SBS may only be able to urinate in their own home.
• A belief that restricting liquid intake will reduce the need to urinate.
• Avoiding sexual encounters in case wanting to urinate suddenly occurs.

This can devastate your quality of life, and negatively affect your work opportunities.

Treatment for shy bladder syndrome

If there is nothing wrong with your urinary tract, then Paruresis is not a physical condition. Medical experts have agreed that because SBS has been diagnosed as a psychological issue, perhaps rooted in bad memories, unresolved fears, and traumatic events lingering in the subconscious, counselling is the most effective treatment for SBS.

Counselling treatment will begin with helping to identify the root causes of the fears and anxiety which aggravate your SBS symptoms, and successfully address them so you can get control of your life again.

It is recognised as one of the best treatments for shy bladder syndrome, as it gets right to the very issues that create the SBS, by dealing directly with the subconscious mind, and replacing the old fearful thoughts with a new, positive mindset.

Shy bladder syndrome is by no means a life-threatening condition. Nor is it a condition you will have to suffer from for your entire life. It is an awkward situation, and can lead to a great deal of anxiety when you feel you cannot cope.

You can also ask your doctor to recommend a good therapist.

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