International Paruresis Association
PO Box 65111
Baltimore, MD 21209
1-800-247-3864
410-367-1253 (phone)
410-367-1254 (fax)
info@paruresis.org
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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.
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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. |
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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. |
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More interesting reading from our members..... |
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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... |
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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. |
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2009
Workshops Announced!
November 23, 2008
IPA is coming to a city near you! Click
here for more information! |
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Bathrooms
Make Me Nervous: A Guidebook for Women with Urination Anxiety
November 16, 2008
Now Available! Written by Carol Olmert, IPA’s Women’s
Coordinator and recovered paruretic. For more information, visit
the official website. Buy
it Now! |
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2008-2009
Fundraisting Appeal - URGENT!
November 19, 2008
For those of you who are simply going to join IPA and need little
or no prodding, here is a gentle reminder that we have begun the 2009
fundraising drive, and we need your support now. Click
here to read more! Join Now! |
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Planned
Giving - Please Help Out IPA Forever!!
July 24, 2008
Planned Giving is a donation method that helps you balance your personal
financial goals and your charitable interests while realizing significant
tax benefits. Click here to read
more! |
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IPATALK
update
August 11, 2008
We have recently upgraded to a more powerful server to fix the problems
that have recently been reported. We apologize for any inconveniences
these problems may have caused. |
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2008
Workshops Announced
December 20, 2007 Click
here to sign-up for a workshop today!
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An
Award winning Site!
October 8, 2007 The IPA website receives the Hope
Award from IBS Tales. Click
here to read more!
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Shop
igive.com Shop www.igive.com
and a portion of the sales will be donated to the IPA!
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Home |
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Room | Paruresis Resources | Women's
Resources | Advocacy | Get
Involved | IPA Talk
Forums | IPA Store | About
the IPA | Research
Results | Shy
Bladder Center | Workshops | Support
Groups | American
Restroom Association
Copyright 1999-2008 International Paruresis
Association.
WARNING AND DISCLAIMER: This website is
NOT a substitute for medical or legal advice and does not constitute the
practice of law, medicine, psychiatry, clinical psychology, clinical social
work, or any other mental health profession. If you are having trouble
urinating, you should always contact a physician since difficulty with
voiding can be a symptom of a serious medical condition. We are a group
of professional people and people who have suffered with paruresis. We
have assembled a board and a board of advisors to help people cope with
urinary dysfunction that has a psychological or social origin. On this
website, we are NOT practicing medicine, psychiatry, clinical psychology,
clinical social work or any other mental health profession. You should
have your doctor evaluate your condition before diagnosing yourself, and
seek the appropriate necessary mental health counseling if warranted.
IPA, Inc. disclaims any and all legal liability whatsoever. |
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