Paruresis Frequently-Asked Questions Table of Contents

International Paruresis Association

PO Box 65111
Baltimore, MD 21209

1-800-247-3864
410-367-1253 (phone)
410-367-1254 (fax)

info@paruresis.org

Visit us on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter

Paruresis (Shy Bladder) FAQ

Table of Contents

Revision date: March 13, 2005

This document is provided for free, but wouldn't be possible without the help of many volunteers and contributing members of IPA. If you find the material helpful, please consider making a donation to IPA so we can further our efforts in helping those with paruresis.

The information given in this document is not intended as a substitute for therapy or medical advice from a professional. IPA recommends that anyone seeking help for paruresis obtain professional advice before and during a treatment program.

Click on one of the following questions to jump to the answer. The questions are organized so that one or two are covered on a page, making printing easier if you only need a portion of the FAQ. If you would rather read or print the questions from a long document that includes all of them, click here.

Q: How do you pronounce “paruresis?”

Q: Is this condition mental, physical, or something else?

Q: What kinds of treatment are available?

Q: I’m facing a urine drug test for employment, what can I do?

Q: I’m facing a urine drug test in prison, for probation, or related to a criminal/civil judgment. What can I do?

Q: How important is it to know how this condition originated?

Q: How long does it take to recover?

Q: What are my chances of recovering fully?

Q: What can I do to maximize my chances of recovering?

Q: Are there other disorders that may be present with paruresis that I need to know about?

Q: I’m a woman, is there anything different about paruresis for women to know?

Q: I’m gay, is there anything different about paruresis for me to know about?

Q: Should I tell others about my paruresis?

Q: I am a parent of a school-age child with paruresis, what can I do for my child?

Q: I am thinking of joining the military, what kind of barrier will paruresis be for me?

Q: I am a student in high school or college, how can I recover?

Q: I have limited income, what can I do to get treatment?

Q: What books do you recommend for learning about paruresis and recovery?

Q: Is my diet a factor in paruresis? Can I help my recovery by changing it?

Q: I am taking an airline trip, how can I get through it?

Q: How does alcohol affect paruresis?

Q: I’ve lost my job (or employment offer) due to being unable to provide a urine sample. What can I do?

Q: Is it important to let my doctor know about my paruresis?

Q: What percentage of the population has paruresis?

Q: What causes paruresis?

Q: Does paruresis put me at risk for other problems?

Q: What does a "medical screen" mean?

Q: What is the breath-holding technique? Does it work for everyone?

WARNING AND DISCLAIMER: This website is NOT a substitute for medical or legal advice and does not constitute the practice of law, medicine, psychiatry, clinical psychology, clinical social work, or any other mental health profession. If you are having trouble urinating, you should always contact a physician since difficulty with voiding can be a symptom of a serious medical condition. We are a group of professional people and people who have suffered with paruresis. We have assembled a board and a board of advisors to help people cope with urinary dysfunction that has a psychological or social origin. On this website, we are NOT practicing medicine, psychiatry, clinical psychology, clinical social work or any other mental health profession. You should have your doctor evaluate your condition before diagnosing yourself, and seek the appropriate necessary mental health counseling if warranted. IPA, Inc. disclaims any and all legal liability whatsoever.