Do you have a shy bladder?

Paruresis is the medical term for Shy Bladder, and it refers to a person who finds it difficult to use a toilet in public. They feel anxiety and pressure if they are forced to use public toilets.

It is almost impossible to avoid using the public toilets. Paruresis can make it difficult for people to submit to random drug tests that require urine samples.

Paruresis is a common condition. Nearly 20 million Americans, of all ages, experience symptoms of shyness of the bladder. It is highly treatable.

Shy Bladder

People with shy bladders are embarrassed when they have to urinate. The person may try to “force” himself to urinate, only to find that he or she cannot. They may alter their daily routine to avoid embarrassment. This change can sometimes be drastic and have a negative impact on their lives.

Causes of paruresis include:

• Environmental factors, such as being teased or harassed by others for using the toilet before.
• Genetic anxiety.
• Medical conditions that have been associated with urinating.

A shy bladder is considered by medical professionals to be a social anxiety disorder, not a mental illness. This does indicate a serious mental issue that needs help and treatment.

How Can You Treat Shy Bladder?

Treatment for shy bladder includes counseling and medication. You should consult a physician if you are having difficulty urinating. This will help to rule out underlying medical conditions. You need to tailor your treatment plan to the symptoms you experience and the root causes of this condition if you have been diagnosed.

Your doctor may also prescribe anti-anxiety medication or bladder-specific medications to help alleviate the symptoms of shy bladder. Paruresis patients are not helped by medicine, even though it can be helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy, on the other hand is very effective.

Why is it dangerous to leave a shy bladder untreated?

A shy bladder can have real health consequences, in addition to its obvious psychological effects. The pelvic floor muscles that are needed to urinate can be damaged by holding in urine for a long time. This increases your risk of getting a urinary infection. A low fluid intake can cause stones to form in the kidneys, gallbladder and salivary glands.