EnglishFrançaisDeutschItalianoРусскийEspañol
844-I-CANT-PEE (422-6873) getinfo@paruresis.org

5 Facts About Shy Bladder Sydrome (Paruresis)

The technical term for Shy Bladder Syndrome is Paruresis (“par-you-ree-sis”).

Fact 1: Paruresis is a social anxiety disorder. Those who suffer from it are fearful of using the bathroom to urinate if other people are nearby. The disorder can interfere with major life activities such as work, social relationships and travel.

Fact 2: Paruresis affects about 7% of the population: 21+ million people in the U.S., another 2+ million in Canada, and countless other people worldwide.

Fact 3: Paruresis is a very treatable disorder. Many studies show that cognitive-behavioral therapy over 8-12 sessions or a weekend workshop helps at least 4 out of 5 sufferers. Sufferers don’t need to know what caused their condition to recover.

Fact 4: Hundreds, if not thousands, of U.S. workers have been unjustly fired because they were unable to urinate on demand during a random drug test. Federal drug testing rules must be changed to permit affordable alternative testing (hair, saliva, sweat patch).

Fact 5: Founded in 1996, the International Paruresis Association (IPA) is the world’s first and most-widespread nonprofit organization working to raise public awareness of this disorder. The IPA serves as an information clearinghouse, encourages research, conducts workshops and coordinates support groups in 23 states and in 19 different countries.


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.