International Paruresis Association
PO Box 65111
Baltimore, MD 21209
1-800-247-3864

Welcome to the official IPA (International Paruresis Association) website. This site is provided as a resource for people who find it difficult or impossible to urinate in the presence of others, either in their own home or in public facilities. Also, for people who have difficulty under the stress of time pressure, when being observed, when others are close by and might hear them, or when traveling on moving vehicles.

YOU ARE NOT ALONE. In fact, recent studies show that about seven percent (7%) of the public, or 17 million people, may suffer from this social anxiety disorder. Often referred to as Pee-Shy, Shy-Bladder, Bashful Bladder, etc., avoidant paruresis is nothing to be ashamed of, and you have made an important step simply by coming to this website.

Inside you will find helpful information on support groups, support seminars (workshops), and even drug therapy. There is also a useful and friendly discussion board where you can share your problems and success -- or just "listen in" -- with others who have the same problem as you.

Please enjoy your visit to the IPA website. We hope it will enlighten you and help with overcoming avoidant paruresis. Also consider joining and/or making a contribution to the IPA in the near future.

Important Notice:  Please add the following website addresses to your favorites/bookmarks:  www.paruresis.org and www.shybladder.org.  Unfortunately, www.paruresis.com and www.shybladder.com are no longer associated with the IPA or the Shybladder Center.

If you have any questions about the IPA, please call, write or send email to: info@paruresis.org.

Recommended Reading from the IPA
	The Shy Bladder Syndrome : Your Step-By-Step Guide to Overcoming Paruresis Steven Soifer, Ph.D., LGSW	The definitive book on paruresis by Steven Soifer, Ph. D. - IPA President and other experts in the field. You can purchase the book by clicking the hypertext next to the image.
	Bathrooms Make Me Nervous:  A Guidebook for Women with Urination Anxiety (Shy Bladder) Carol Olmert, IPA’s Women’s Coordinator (CJOB Publications: 2008)	The first book to explore the shy bladder condition (paruresis) from a woman’s point of view. It offers clear and effective information on understanding, coping with, and recovering from the phobia.   Click here for more information.
More interesting reading from our members.....
Brandon’s Story: "Living With Paruresis and My Journey to Overcome It"
My name is Brandon and I live in Baltimore, Maryland. I’ve had Paruresis for 19 years and it has controlled every aspect of my life. It all started when I was 10 years old in 6th grade. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was in the boy’s room using a urinal when another classmate approached me and aggressively pushed me. At that very instance my boundary was violated and I left the restroom as quickly as possible. Little did I know that the rest of my life was going to be directly affected by this incident... Click here to read more....
I’ve Got to Go But I Can’t A Day in the Life of a Paruretic by Allen W. Court
I am sitting at my ergonomically designed workstation, surrounded by four-foot cubicle walls, yet feeling a distinct ergonomic dissatisfaction. It’s unrelated to the furniture that surrounds me, but rather concerns the furnishings inside of me: my bladder, urethra, prostate and frayed nervous system. A warning system somewhere in my brain is screaming, “Fire! Fire in the hole! Get out! Run!” Click here to read more...
A Few Notes on Paruresis by Christopher J. McCullough, Ph.D (Author of Free to Pee)
What is Paruresis? Self-consciousness and Self-containment Sketch of Factors that Contribute to Paruresis Resistance to Recovery Click here to read more... This book is available from The IPA Store.
Click here to read some Success Stories...