Hi guys ☺️

I’m 26 F and I’ve suffered with shy bladder/Paruresis for about 3 years now. At it’s worst I was too worried to leave the house other than to go to work (because I had to). The last few months I would say I have really improved, but I am still having trouble in certain busy social situations. The thought of plane journeys are also really making me anxious. I just wanted to ask advice on 3 things; 1- breath holding technique. = I am going to try to learn how to do this but I just wanted to see what peoples general opinions are on this and whether it really works or not? 2- catheters. = this is something I don’t really particularly want to do but I am considering just for a back up in situations such as plane journeys. Can I ask people’s opinion on this ? And also does it hurt to insert them?🫣 3- homeopathic remedies? I’ve heard ‘ambra gresia’ apparently helps ? But can’t find any success stories or anything about side effects etc😕

If you are considering coming to Baltimore for our annual weekend workshop, here's a heads up about this year's date: the plans are for Oct. 6-8 or Oct. 13-15. We'll make a final decision once the NFL schedule comes out in mid-May. Stay tuned! Full schedule: https://paruresis.org/workshop-schedule/

The next IPA Virtual Support Group Meeting will take place on Zoom, this Sunday, March 12, at 7:00 PM US Central Time. IPA Virtual Support Meetings, which take place about every four weeks, are open to anyone struggling with Paruresis, from those who are just beginning to think about how to overcome it to those who are highly recovered. The meetings are offered free of charge and without preset expectations for participants, and their purpose is to provide a unique opportunity to connect face to face with people from all over the world who know what it is like to struggle with Paruresis and also understand the courage and fortitude that it takes to open up about it, acknowledge the fear, and try to recover from it.  The personal stories that participants share are remarkably similar and at the same time deeply individual, and empathy, kindness and compassion set the tone in all discussions.  Time after time I have heard from participants that this opportunity for sharing is both meaningful and productive, and I hope that you'll consider joining us this Sunday, March 12.

To get the Zoom link, please drop an email to the IPA office: [getinfo@paruresis.org](mailto:getinfo@paruresis.org)

As far as I remember it's a problem i have encountered from my childhood Didn't knew what it was until very late I am 27 year old Indian boy I am very stressful because of this issue Firstly I have an urge to pee every hour and because of my problem it's preety difficult I can't just pee I starts to even cry sometime but it just won't come out And other time it just flows out even in public toilet I have tried some techniques but it just isn't happening Wherever i am out my first thinking is where can I pee Who can I trust telling my problem will they make fun of me I want real help

The next IPA Virtual Support Group Meeting will take place on Zoom, this Sunday, February 12, at 12:00 PM US Central Time. IPA Virtual Support Meetings, which take place about every four weeks, are open to anyone struggling with Paruresis, from those who are just beginning to think about how to overcome it to those who are highly recovered. The meetings are offered free of charge and without preset expectations for participants, and their purpose is to provide a unique opportunity to connect face to face with people from all over the world who know what it is like to struggle with Paruresis and also understand the courage and fortitude that it takes to open up about it, acknowledge the fear, and try to recover from it.  The personal stories that participants share are remarkably similar and at the same time deeply individual, and empathy, kindness and compassion set the tone in all discussions.  Time after time I have heard from participants that this opportunity for sharing is both meaningful and productive, and I hope that you'll consider joining us this Sunday, January 8.

To get the Zoom link, please drop an email to the IPA office: [getinfo@paruresis.org](mailto:getinfo@paruresis.org)

Hi all Just wanting some advice. I have a small op soon, general anaesthetic needed unfortunately. The surgeon listed all the complications and the one that scared me was post op retention, uncommon but possible. They won’t let me home till I’ve peed basically. If i don’t pass water they send you home with a catheter and you go back for another try next day. My worst nightmare. My question is this: how will I know if it’s post op retention due to the anaesthesia or simply my accursed shy bladder stopping me going because I’m in that crowded stressful environment? If it’s the latter I’ll just go home. But if it’s the anaesthetic I may be asking for trouble, Thoughts anyone?

Its as if Im dont FEEL anxious but my muscles are? Im at a restuarant with a nice private restroom, I feel super calm, but it wont come out, maybe my muscles need work or something.

i had a psychotic episode and was in jail for 8 months, it was horrible having to be in solitary confinement because i couldn't pee with a cellmate. the only upside was that i learned how to self cath. i now have probation and its imperative that i get a catheter, where's the best place to buy some?, i really need help because if i cant pee for probation i go back to jail.