Paruresis Awareness Day – May 25

I can’t pee in public, and I could really use your understanding and support.

[Ed. note: we created this page as a resource for Paruresis Awareness Day on May 25, but we found it so helpful, we’re sharing it year-round. Sufferers, if you’d like a guide on how to start a conversation with a family member or friend, click here.]

So, someone just told you that they suffer from Paruresis, commonly known as “shy bladder syndrome.” Who knew that was a thing? You should feel honored that someone would share something that is so personal and embarrassing that they’d open up to you about it.

This site is full of detailed information about shy bladder syndrome, known technically as “Paruresis” (par-you-ree-sis). We’ve made a short, 10-minute video about our condition to help as an introduction [2022]. You’ll see it below, or you can download just the slides.

We encourage you to also review information you’ll find under the heading above “Resources” then “Paruresis A to Z.”

Lastly, if you’d like more information, please use the Contact the IPA form. We are here to help you and the person you care about.

Thanks to the UK Paruresis Trust for the kind use of their “bladder lockup” diagram.


HELPFUL RESOURCES

OFFICIAL IPA DONATION PORTAL

Use Charity Engine to Donate


IPA BOOK

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.