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According to research, urinating when the urge strikes is crucial because delaying urination for long periods of time can result in a number of health problems, such as kidney problems, bladder damage, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Frequent urination aids in the removal of bacteria from the urinary tract and stops them from growing and developing into infections. However, for those with a shy bladder, relieving themselves is not as simple as it is for most people. Shy bladder syndrome or paruresis recognised as a social phobia by the doctors, makes it difficult for a person to urinate while other people are around. Once they become cautious of other people’s presence, even if it is just through sound, urination becomes an impossible task. Fortunately, the condition could be managed, as well as treated. How? Let us find out:
Symptoms Of A Shy Bladder Syndrome
Dr Kamal Jeet Singh, Urologist, Memorial Multispeciality Hospital, Punjab, says that severe paruresis symptoms and indicators may include:
- The requirement for total privacy when using the loo
- Fear of others hearing the sound of the urine hitting the toilet water
- Fear of other people hearing you fart
- Negative self-talk when urinating
- Inability to use public restrooms or other people's homes
- Inability to use the restroom at home when visitors are around
- inability to use the restroom at home if someone is waiting outside the toilet,
- the fear of having to use the restroom
- Limiting water or liquid intake to lessen the need to urinate
- Avoidance of social gatherings and travel
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Causes Of A Shy Bladder
Dr Singh says that although shy bladder syndrome is not classified as a mental illness per se, the condition does need support and treatment if one is unable to manage on their own. There could be a range of factors responsible for Paruresis. “The kind of environment one has grown up in is often the reason why one might develop the condition. If someone, as a child has been teased, abused and made conscious in some way or the other regarding their genitalia or use of the loo, they are likely to be shy growing up as well,” he explains. The reason could be genetic as well. If you are genetically exposed to anxiety that might factor in as well.
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Treatment Of Shy Bladder Syndrome
Medications
Although medications might not be the choice in treating a social phobia, in some cases however, the doctor may advise medications to treat the underlying anxiety. These medications may include Diazepam (Valium), alpha-adrenergic blockers that relax the muscle of your bladder like Tamsulosin (Flomax), or the doctor might prescribe medications used to reduce urinary retention, such as bethanechol (Urecholine).
Also Read: Are Your Kidneys Trying To Tell You Something? 5 Signs Of Kidney Damage That Appear At Night
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Support And Therapy
Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, is a type of mental health support for shy bladder syndrome. This kind of therapy entails working with a therapist to pinpoint the ways that shy bladder has altered your thoughts and behaviours while gradually exposing you to scenarios that allow you to feel less anxious. This method may require six to ten sessions of treatment. CBT is thought to help 85 out of 100 people control their shy bladder. Attending in-person or virtual support groups can also be beneficial.
Bottomline
A shy bladder syndrome not only exposes you to the risk of various bladder and kidney related diseases, but also becomes a nuisance when it comes to socialising. People who suffer from the condition often avoid situations that may expose them to facing the syndrome publicly. Which, in turn, makes them avoid parties, other social gatherings, or going out in general. However, the silver lining is that through proper counselling and management, or in rare cases medications, the condition is very much treatable.