You Are Not Alone. There Is Help For You!
This organization has changed my life.” – D.H., Detroit
1996 • Celebrating 29 Years • 2025
The Problem
You may have a social phobia: Not being able to relieve yourself in the presence of others is called Shy Bladder (Paruresis). It is a legitimate medical condition affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Those suffering from this phobia often live uncomfortable, severely restricted lives.
“The more we run from a problem, the more we’re actually running into it. ” Pico Iyer, essayist
The Solution
Graduated Exposure (GE) therapy to the feared experience is an effective treatment that can dramatically improve the quality of life for most Paruresis sufferers. GE alongside foundational cognitive therapy leads to improvements that include being able to urinate in the physical proximity to others and being able to enjoy a social life away from home. Relationships get better, work life improves, and travel (including on airplanes) is possible again.
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
“Why Can’t I Pee in Public Bathrooms?”
SciShow YouTube Video – 7/16/2019
“Nature’s Call – Short Documentary”
Varundeep Singh, January 22, 2018
5 1/2 Things Everyone in Urology Should Know about Paruresis
UroNurse Episode 148
“Do Public Restrooms Make You Nervous?
You are Not Alone!”
Steven Soifer, TedX University of Mississippi Talk, March 6, 2019
The Secret Social Phobia: Shy Bladder Syndrome (Paruresis)
The definitive book on shy bladder syndrome. By S. Soifer, G. Zgourides, J. Himle, & N. O’Brien (IPA, Inc. 2020)
How We Can Help You
Support Groups
Find a Pee Partner. We currently have a list of over 80 U.S. and international support groups. Support groups typically meet monthly for practice sessions and/or to share stories and experiences. Click on the link below to find a support group in your area.
Workshops
A workshop is a safe, structured program to help you begin to recover from paruresis. Much of what happens involves relearning how to urinate in the presence of others. Many people report that they were nervous before the workshop and quite reluctant to sign up, but after the first few hours wondered why they hadn’t sought help for their Paruresis earlier.
How You Can Help
Join, Volunteer & Donate
Become a Member
The International Paruresis Association, Inc. (IPA) is a nonprofit organization formed in 1996 to help those afflicted with and affected by this social phobia. Operated by a small group of professionals and primarily staffed by volunteers, we have already helped thousands of men and women realize a difference in their lives though our workshops, newsletters, websites, counseling sessions, research and outreach.
Volunteer
The International Paruresis Association seeks and welcomes volunteers! Fill out the Contact the IPA form and let us know your areas of interest. In particular, we are seeking sufferers with expertise in employment law, grant writing, and advocacy. Urologists, psychiatrists, and substance abuse professionals, we need you, too. Women and people from historically underrepresented communities are especially invited to participate. If you simply have a heart to help others, let us know!
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 $100.00 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
The IPA sponsors Workshops and Support Groups worldwide. Paruresis.com contains numerous resources including articles, general information, facts, frequently asked questions, treatment information, research results, news and press, advocacies, and how to get involved by joining, donating or volunteering. In order to find out more, click on the Resources link in the navigation menu.
QUICK LINKS
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
Monday - Friday
10:00am - 6:00pm (ET)
844-I-CANT-PEE (422-6873)
US/Canada
443-315-5250 Office
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.