Paruresis and Catheters: What You Need to Know
Paruresis and Catheters: What You Need to Know
Paruresis affects approximately seven percent of adults in the United States alone. Also known as “shy bladder” or “bashful bladder,” it can range from mildly inconvenient to downright disabling for those who have been diagnosed with it.
Individuals who are diagnosed with paruresis may find themselves in a variety of uncomfortable situations. Paruretics – people who have paruresis – have difficulty urinating in public places. The inconveniences caused by this disorder may range from mild to disabling, and paruretics often find themselves scheduling their lives around their shy bladder. Some actually avoid leaving their homes altogether.
There are several techniques that people can pursue to treat or cure a shy bladder. Some find cognitive therapy helpful, while others are able to successfully urinate in public using the breath-holding technique. Still, others resort to using catheters in order to relieve themselves during the course of the day. For paruretics seeking an immediate solution, self-catheterization offers 100% relief.
How Does Paruresis Affect Someone’s Life?
Someone with paruresis has difficulty urinating in public or when someone is in close proximity. Often, paruretics have no problem urinating at home or in a public place when no one else is around to hear them. Because of the anxiety of someone “hearing” them urinate, this forces many paruretics to avoid urination for long periods of time. This can cause several disruptions, as well as devastating, personal and professional situations for the paruretic.
For instance, individuals with a bashful bladder may have difficulty attending school for several hours each day because they cannot physically allow themselves to urinate. Although some people will avoid drinking beverages prior to beginning their school or work days, others may be forced to go home during breaks or to hold their urine for the duration of their time away from home.
According to MedicineNet.com, many individuals report that the onset of paruresis is around the age of puberty and often involves being teased, taunted, or harassed while attempting to urinate in a public restroom, usually by classmates. Less commonly, it can also develop as a result of sexual, physical, or emotional abuse – even a traumatic toilet training incident. Most experts agree, however, that it most commonly begins in adolescence.
Paruresis is diagnosed as social anxiety, and paruretics cite that they have a fear of being judged while urinating in public. Proximity is a significant factor for paruretics. When others are present, individuals with paruresis find it difficult – if not impossible – to urinate.
One solution for paruretics who want to live a full life is self-catheterization.
Self-catheterization is a Viable Option for Some Paruretics
Many individuals resort to self-catheterization so that their daily lives are not disrupted. This allows them to go to school, work a full-time job, or travel on public transportation such as busses, airplanes, and cruise ships. Because many paruretics find this condition an embarrassing one, they are not likely to confide in friends or family members regarding this condition. Using catheters allows them to participate socially without revealing their condition.
There are eight steps involved in self-catheterization of a shy bladder while in public:
- First, you’ll want to enclose the catheter in a plastic bag to avoid contamination. Consider taking at least two catheters with you on your trip or daily travels. Although you may not opt for sterile catheters, you may certainly use clean catheters. Be sure to clean them prior to your trip. Water in public lavatories – especially when in use in public transportation – may not be suitable to cleanse your catheters.
- Include a lubricant. You can purchase them over the counter. This will ensure a more comfortable insertion of the catheter. Using Neosporin + Pain Relief® is a good option. Avoid using mineral oil or petroleum-based ointments over the long run, however, as they may break down the catheter. K-Y® Brand Jelly is another alternative for single-use catheters but is not recommended for repeated use with the same catheter.
- Using disposable hand wipes or a disinfecting hand soap, wash your hands prior to insertion of the catheter. Wipe the genitals with the hand wipes or use betadine to clean the area.
- Put on sterile gloves. Do not touch the outside.
- Apply lubricant to the catheter prior to insertion.
- Insert the catheter. Females should spread the labia and insert the catheter slowly into the meatus. The urine will begin to flow. Slowly push in the catheter about two more inches. Males should stretch the penis until it is perpendicular to the body and insert the catheter slowly until the urine begins to flow. It may help to take deep breaths during the insertion process.
- Once the urine flow has ceased, remove the catheter.
- Dispose of the catheter in a wrapped paper towel in the trash. If you plan to re-use it, place it in a plastic bag wrapped in a paper towel.
It may take a bit of practice at first, but with repetition self-catheterization should be painless and easy to accomplish. Your medical healthcare provider can demonstrate the proper techniques for easiest insertion.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Catheters
The major advantage of using a catheter for a shy bladder is that it enables individuals to lead active lives. Because many paruretics’ lives are determined by the nature of their bashful bladders, they tend to avoid social situations or live with the painful physical sensations that are the result of not emptying their bladders frequently. Since catheters offer immediate relief and are effective, using them will enable paruretics to lead active lives.
For some, however, inserting a catheter may not be a comfortable experience. Some paruretics find it downright painful and prefer not to use catheterization as a means of relieving themselves in public places. If a catheter is not properly sterilized, it can also lead to infection and painful urine flow, even bleeding.
There are several treatment options available to paruretics, but for those who are unsuccessful with cognitive therapy or breath holding, using catheters may be a viable solution for using public restrooms.
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