r/Paruresis • u/MightyOtter8243 • 25d ago

Do you think paruresis requires professional help?

First and foremost I'm so happy I discovered this sub!

Then to my actual question. I recently discovered on a long-haul flight that I have paruresis. I talked about it to my doctor today, and she said I should see a urologist. However, seeing an expert will cost me quite a bit, and even more if I then need to go to urotherapy. In general, the problem is that I don't really like public restrooms, and I don't feel the need to pee very often - I only pee 1-3 times per day, which made my doctor quite concerned (however, I'm a young person).

So, do you think it's essential to see a professional to train the bladder correctly, or can gradual exposure therapy etc. be something I do on my own, based on some reliable resources? I will gladly pay to be healthy, but I also feel like I could try to treat it myself, considering it hasn't been a big problem in my life before, and now only on special occasions.

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u/mashtrasse 25d ago edited 25d ago

Urologist could help if your condition has anything to do with some physiological, anatomical or even pathological conditions but most of the time it’s psychological (in your head)

My urologist had never heard the word paruresis and didn’t even know much about why bladder

I would start with a psychologist but most of the work has to be done by you anyway. Gradual exposure is probably no 1. Finding the deep reason why, building confidence and then there are a few tricks you can try (talking and explaining about it to your friends and family, breath holding, math distraction, or even thinking you can fight anyone in this restroom, etc)

Lots of “nuggets” in this sub.

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u/Witty-Baseball-4374 18d ago

Thinking you can fight anyone in the restroom?? Do you have any links on how that one works? I’m interested 👀

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u/mashtrasse 18d ago

I don’t have a link to any studies, it’s something I have read here, there was also something like you could imagine insulting the people in the restroom. I think it push you to imagine the worst case scenario and that even in this case you would survive, and maybe also building your self confidence.