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Origin and Meaning of Avoidant Paruresis
This derived definition was taken from material posted by
Dr. Steve Soifer on an internet bulletin board.
He explains that the term "paruresis" comes from several Greek sources.
"para" - in this word, bears the meaning of 'abnormal'
"uruone" - having to do with urine.
"esis" - meaning action.
Hence paruresis refers to an abnormal action or functioning of the urinary system. Avoidant refers to the action of the sufferer who typically avoids urinating in situations where it is believed others can see and/or hear him/her. It is believed that approximately 17 million Americans suffer from this condition to one degree or another. There are many terms by which this condition is known. Bashful bladder, shy kidney, pee shy, urinary hesitancy, etc., are just a few of them. By any name, the condition can disrupt the life of the person so afflicted. Many of these people tend to avoid social situations due to the difficulty of finding sufficiently private bathroom conditions. Career decisions are also made taking this condition into account.
Psychology of Avoidant Paruresis
Arguments rage about the basis for this condition. In some
few cases, it may possibly be totally physiologically based, but
the majority of the professionals treating this problem believe
although there may be physical causes that contribute, that the
psychological aspect is the most important aspect and that therefore
this area is where to approach treating AP.
Dr. Richard Z has provided an article concerning the psychological aspects. Psychology of AP
Interactive Bulletin Board
Dr. Richard Z has also provided a bulletin board for persons
suffering from AP, family and friends, and for professionals who
work in this field. Here you will find a great deal of communication
between people as they discuss different ways of coping, effectiveness
of various treatment methods, and just plain venting. Flaming
is STRONGLY discouraged.
Buddy List
One of the methods by which people are learning to overcome
this problem is a process called desensitization. Basically, this
entails the person establishing a list, graded by the amount or
degree of stress involved, of the situations in which they might
find themselves. An example would be that using one's home restroom
is the least stressful, a private restroom at work is next, a
public restroom that is empty, one that is occupied, one that
is crowded. Urinals with dividers, or urinals without dividers,
etc. The person then gradually forces himself to practice at the
highest level with which they can successfully cope. They would
then move up to the next higher level and work there. Gradually,
they hope to see sufficient improvement to enable them to lead
normal lives. This method has been found to work best when using
the buddy plan. Two (or more) fellow sufferers will work together
to encourage one another and to go to different bathrooms together.
One of the people suffering from this problem, Rick Y, has created
a web page where persons can search for buddies in their area,
and can list themselves. This site is located at: Buddy List
or you can email him directly at Email Rick Y
Information needed is your email address, the location(s), (country,
state, cities), and the name by which you wish to be listed.
There are those who are not yet ready to actually participate in desensitization, but who still join the list in order to serve as a source of support. Some persons find relief simply by making an email penpal of someone on the list. This enables them to discuss the subject which previously most had not discussed with anyone.
Self-catheterization
This is a method for both men and women which, although not
a cure, enables a person to successfully void his/her bladder
'on demand'. By learning how to self-catheterize, the person gains
the peace of mind from knowing that if all else fails, the catheter
can be used.
A number of people have stated that since they learned to use the catheter, their confidence level has risen so dramatically that now they can urinate in situations where previously they had found it impossible. These people say that just having the insurance of carrying a disposable catheter provides them with all the confidence they need to perform normally. Dr. Richard Z has provided information concerning catheters at Catheter FAQs
Drugs used in the treatment of AP
A variety of different medications, both prescription and
over-the-counter, have been used to treat AP. As each person is
unique, and AP can be experienced in a variety of degrees, there
has been a wide variety of results seen through the use of these
drugs.
Dr. Richard Z has collected information relating to many of these drugs on his page of Drug FAQs
International Paruresis Association
An international organization dedicated to providing information
to paruretics and working to establish treatment methods, the
IPA is a non-profit association located in Maryland.
Information about the IPA can be found at their web page The IPA or by going to the 'Urine Control' Avoidant Paruresis Web Site page which contains much valuable information and links.
Medical References
Dr. Richard Z has compiled a list of references to which professionals
can be directed. Obviously the layman is also welcome to pursue
research using these references.
Medical References
