paruresis

noun

par·​u·​re·​sis ˌpär-(y)ə-ˈrē-səs 

medical

: an inability to urinate in the presence of others (as in a public restroom) : the fear of being unable to initiate or sustain urination when other people are nearby

Paruresis, or intense fear of public urination, is common and often disabling. Many people are simply unable to relieve themselves during, for example, a busy break time.

—Adi Bloom

called also bashful bladder, bashful bladder syndrome, shy bladder, shy bladder syndrome

paruretic

ˌpär-(y)ə-ˈre-tik 

adjective

paruretic symptoms

paruretic noun

plural paruretics

Paruretics are unable to urinate if they are under time constraints, if they use a public bathroom or even in their own home if someone is within earshot.

—Lisa Spinelli

Examples of paruresis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite the little research done on paruresis, it can be treated. —Dario Sabaghi, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2020

Researchers say that the causes of paruresis are complex. —Dario Sabaghi, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2020

Depending on the severity of the condition, paruresis can limit someone's quality of life. —Dario Sabaghi, Discover Magazine, 18 Dec. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above