Posted by Michelle King I have just come across this website and just wanted to post to make up the female numbers really. It's strange, I never thought of paruresis as something men would suffer from! Merely the fact that they have to spend most of their lives weeing in front of other men made me think it would just be a natural thing for them - but apparently I was wrong and it's us women who are in the minority! My first memory of my condition was being on a school trip. It was quite a long coach journey (for an 8 year old anyway) and we were told we HAD to use the toilet before we left OR ELSE!!! At least that's how it felt. And as much as I needed to go it just wouldnt happen. Needless to say I then experienced the most uncomfortable coach journey of my life. I am now 25 and my condition still affects me. Maybe not as badly as some on here but it is difficult to live with. If I go on a night out my ability to wee usually depends on how busy the loos are. If there are other people in the room I cannot go. If the room is empty but there is a good chance of people walking in, I still cannot go. I worry that people can hear me going - I worry that people can hear me 'not going' (what the hell is she doing in there?). I can normally go eventually after about three/four trips to the toilets (carefully spaced so people in the pub do not think I have something wrong with me!) I think it is primarily a pressure thing for me. If I feel like I have as much time as I need then it is easier. The worst thing anyone could say to me when I announce that I am popping to the loo is 'hurry up'. I detest that. I find that if I haven't had a wee within about 3 minutes of sitting down then it's not going to happen. No matter how much I tell myself how stupid I am being, or try to distract myself by writing a text on my phone, or imagining that I am on my very own toilet at home ... it's just useless. Anyway, I am rambling and also running out of time. I would love to hear from any ladies out there suffering like me (by email or on the forum) - whether it be to share tips or just rant about how bloddy annoying it is! I would especially like to hear from women who have actually gone to their GP and asked for help (do GPs actually know that this condition exists??) Take care Michelle
on 21/11/2006, 1:54 pm
Hi 212
Message Thread:
« Back to thread