What is Shy Bladder Syndrome?

For ordinary people, going to the toilet is automatic. we go there when the need arises and the story ends there. For others, the act of urinating in public is somewhat embarrassing or even a major source of anxiety, especially when other people are around. This fear has a name: shy bladder syndrome. Also called paruresis in scientific language, it leads to a blockage in the body that cannot relax the pelvic floor enough to open the bladder neck and urinate. In a video posted to Instagram on Aug. 2, clinical psychologist Victoria Gernon discusses this sometimes very disabling phenomenon for those concerned.

An example of social or performance anxiety

“These symptoms are mainly manifested in a situation of social anxiety or performance anxiety,” explains the clinical psychologist. According to him, the fear of urinating is similar to the fear of making too much noise in a public situation, of being overheard and perceived by others.

Just as people may be embarrassed to blush, sweat, or shake in public, individuals with shy bladder syndrome try to avoid any risky situations. When the fear is significant, sufferers may refuse invitations, trips or even professional opportunities. In the same way, people who blush will avoid putting themselves in the public light, those who tremble will maintain hand gestures or those who sweat will avoid physical contact for fear of being exposed, shows Victoria Gernon.

If the fear of urination is felt as a mild anxiety, there is no reason to worry, summarizes the clinical psychologist. On the other hand, if this fear bothers us every day, the specialist invites us to consult a psychologist to solve the problem.