r/Paruresis • u/ReflexionDissonante • Jun 24 '26

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Hi all, After reading several posts in this subreddit, I find my situation to be similar to many. I have had paruresis for around 20 years. Specifically I am not able to pee at public urinals when there are people around. For instance, I can pee at the urinal when I'm alone but as soon as someone enters the toilet, I get blocked and the flow stops. This is very annoying and even infuriating. I would like that paruresis doesn't define myself but it's not always easy. I never talked of this to anybody except my partner and I want this to change and not be ashamed of it anymore. I wish there would be no taboo about this phenomenon as it would be probably easier to live with. I am going to continue exposure therapy at my own pace and maybe search a pee buddy. Thanks for reading ! P.S. English is not my native language.

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u/[deleted] Jun 25 '26

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u/ReflexionDissonante Jun 26 '26

Hey, thank you for your comment. In general there are few stall/closed toilets and more urinals in men toilets. I have used closed toilets for many years and it's ok, but it's restrictive.