You Are Not Alone. There Is Help For You!
“This organization has changed my life.” – D.H., Detroit
1996 • Celebrating 25 Years • 2021
The Problem
The Solution
Click here for information on upcoming Live and Virtual Workshops!
The International Paruresis Association (IPA)
Shy Bladder, Bashful Bladder, Pee Shy
Making It All Make Sense
The IPA
Recent studies show that about 21 million Americans (220 million worldwide) may suffer from this social anxiety disorder. We’re here to HELP. You’re in the RIGHT PLACE.
This site is provided as a resource for people who find it difficult or impossible to urinate in the presence of others, either in their own home or in public facilities. It is also designed for people who have difficulty under the stress of time pressure, when being observed, when others are close by and might hear them, and/or when traveling on moving vehicles.
Shy Bladder Center
Avoidant Paruresis is not something you have to live with by yourself, overcome alone, or be embarrassed about. We’re here to SHARE your problems and your successes.
The Secret Social Phobia: Shy Bladder Syndrome (Paruresis) Ebook
The NEW definitive Ebook on shy bladder syndrome. By S. Soifer, G. Zgourides, J. Himle, & N. O’Brien (IPA, Inc. 2020)
“Do Public Restrooms Make You Nervous?
You are Not Alone!”
Steven Soifer, TedX University of Mississippi Talk, March 6, 2019
“Why Can’t I Pee in Public Bathrooms?”
SciShow YouTube Video – 7/16/2019
“Nature’s Call – Short Documentary”
Varundeep Singh, January 22, 2018
“51: Dr. Steven Soifer, Shy Bladder Syndrome (Paruresis) & Better Public Restrooms”
Apple Podcast – People I Know Show Episode 51 – 10/11/2019
How We Can Help You
Support Groups
Workshops
How You Can Help
Become a Member
Volunteer
Donate
The IPA needs help in the form of donations. Can you contribute? Maybe you’ve said to yourself in the past: “I’d pay any amount (maybe $10,000?!) if someone could help me with this condition”…. Well, now some people have come forward to help you, and they are not asking for what you may have previously been willing to pay. Your donation of $50.00 or more adds you to the IPA membership rolls, and goes directly to pay for mailings, information packets, administrative help and other costs. Will you help?
Resources
INTERNATIONAL PARURESIS ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 21237
Catonsville, MD 21228
You Are Not Alone.
There Is Help For You!
Shy Bladder, Bashful Bladder, Pee Shy
IPA OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday - Friday
1:00pm - 5:00pm (EST)
800-247-3864 Toll free US/Canada
443-315-5250 Office
443-315-5251 Fax
Email: getinfo@paruresis.org
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.