Hi everyone, I'm new here. 41 years old and can remember having AP since childhood. Wondering if anyone has had success with public toilets using products such as a shewee or funnel type device? My main problem with AP is being heard and I wonder if I could master using one of these devices and aim the urine the edge of the bowl (thus not making as much nose if any) that perhaps I may be able to go. Thanks for any ideas and tips.

Hi Loulou - it's good to see you reaching out for ways to manage your paruresis. As a female trustee for UKPT I'm in contact with quite a few females who have AP, and from time to time we have discussed shewees or similar. I'm afraid I haven't come across anyone who is using them happily, but that doesn't mean that there isn't anyone out there who manages with them - there could well be. I have come across a few women who use catheters which you might want to consider, but they are more invasive than shewees. I can reassure you that your fear of being heard is a very familiar one for women with AP. You might find it helpful to talk to some other women in similar situations. A group of up to a dozen or so women meet up via zoom every 4 - 6 weeks and you would be welcome to join in. Do let me know via this thread if you'd like to. And you might also like to consider coming to a virtual workshop to help you learn more ways of dealing with your AP so it has less impact on your life. You can get more information about the workshops at www.ukpt.org.uk/paruresis-workshops.