What is shy bladder syndrome?

To put it simply, paruresis is an inability to pee when we think other people may see or hear us. It’s often also called shy bladder, bashful bladder, pee shy or stage fright. It is recognised as a social anxiety disorder which affects both men and women, of all ages. It causes them to avoid situations that make it difficult or impossible for them to be able to pee. It was first professionally recognised in 1954.

Shy Bladder Syndrome Support Forum
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It can have devastating effects on an individual’s life. Career choices, social lives, everyday activities, travel – these can all be affected by a fear of not being able to pee. It’s very common for people with paruresis to lead rather reclusive lives. They frequently experience depression and anxiety.

UK Paruresis Trust offers information and support to help individuals living with paruresis.

We run discreet and sensitive workshops (weekend residential workshops or online day workshops). They will introduce you to the techniques which can help you to improve your quality of life.

You can chat anonymously to other people who have paruresis on our online forum.

You can read stories of how other individuals have managed to beat the condition.

Health professionals can find out how best to help their patients who have paruresis.

Living with it

Find out more about paruresis and how other people have dealt with it.

Use our moderated forum

For men and women who find it difficult or impossible to urinate in a public or social situation.

Workshops

Start facing your fears in a controlled way using small steps in our Workshops.

How to help and donate

UKPT is a non-profit-making organisation, and our services are not dependent on your ability to pay. Most of what we do is run by volunteers, but we inevitably have expenses – workshops, administration, awareness raising costs, internet costs. If you are able to make a donation, however small, to help support the ongoing work of the organisation it would be greatly appreciated.
Donate to support the UKPT

Latest News and Information

17 September 2024
General News
I'm going to give you a bit of UK Paruresis Trust (UKPT) history – don't go away - it's only a little bit! When starting up a charity, you have to pro...
27 August 2024
General News
Changing your mindset is not as easy as it sounds. Changing your mind is easy. If you don't fancy chicken for dinner any more, you choose cheese inste...
25 June 2024
Living with Paruresis
General News
We've all been there. You're on the bus/train and there are lots of empty seats. Someone you don't know gets on and sits on the seat right next to you...
17 September 2024
General News
I'm going to give you a bit of UK Paruresis Trust (UKPT) history – don't go away - it's only a little bit! When starting up a charity, you have to pro...
27 August 2024
General News
Changing your mindset is not as easy as it sounds. Changing your mind is easy. If you don't fancy chicken for dinner any more, you choose cheese inste...
25 June 2024
Living with Paruresis
General News
We've all been there. You're on the bus/train and there are lots of empty seats. Someone you don't know gets on and sits on the seat right next to you...
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Last review date: January 2023.
Next review date: January 2026.

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