Paruresis is a phobia whose sufferers have a great fear of urinating around other people. People with paruresis can have major problems when it comes to public gatherings since it may be difficult or impossible for them to urinate in a public restroom. In order to really overcome this phobia, paruretics usually go through some form of therapy, which can include a support group and gradual exposure therapy. Many paruretics, though, use catheters as they are learning to overcome their phobia.
Although not all therapists agree, catheters, small plastic or rubber tubes that are inserted into the bladder through the urethra to manually empty it, can be helpful tools for paruretics. To start, though, paruretics must find a doctor or nurse to teach them to safely use catheters for intermittent self catheterization. This is not always easily done, but you can find out whether or not a doctor will teach you about self catheterization by calling around and talking to nurses at each doctor’s office before you decide whether or not to make an appointment there.
When you use catheters, be sure that you use them wisely. You should keep a catheter and a small bottle of lubricant with you so that you’ll have it available in an emergency. Lubricant is necessary for all catheters except for those that are self-lubricating, which are more difficult to find.
Keep a disposable catheter on you when you’re in public spaces. You must try to overcome your paruresis by attempting to use the restroom on your own, though you may be calmed by just knowing that you have a catheter available to you should you need it. If you cannot urinate on your own, you should go ahead and use your catheter if you must. Gradually, most paruretics learn to rely on their catheters less and less often