Has anyone ever treated a shy bladder?

Question

I have this condition...or I think I do. Ever since I was in the eleventh grade, I have had trouble peeing if there are other people in the bathroom with me. If I really have to go--and I mean REALLY have to go--then there's no problem letting it out.

When the problem first came on, it was just in public restrooms. I would have trouble going at the urinal. But if I went into a stall and closed the door, all would be fine. After a while, I was able to use the urinals again.

I have had the problem in varying degrees over the years. It has never caused any serious problems. But, a few weeks ago, I went to a mall with my mom and sister. I had to go to the bathroom, but when I got there, I couldn't--not even in the stall. It was a few days before Christmas, and it was very crowded. Eventually, I was able to go. But it was after several tries.

I'm starting to run out of space, so I'll have to continue in the added details.

I also looked up the condition on the Web. One medical site suggested using systematic desensitization to help treat it. Like gradually exposing yourself to less privacy when you use the bathroom. I have tried that. Whenever I use the bathroom, I leave the door open a little. And every time, I try to leave it open a little more. I know that may not seem like the most koshure thing to do, but it seems to be working. Also, when I use the bathroom in public, I still use the stall, but I leave the door open. That seems to be helping as well.

So...now to the question, has anyone else ever lived with or treated this condition?

Answer 1

I've heard that doing multiplication in your head helps, seriously, and I think it worked the couple of times I was feeling pee shy. HTH!