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Greetings to you all and respect for your struggle! I haven't used this site for a while. I discovered it a couple of years ago and I went on the Beginners and Advanced workshops in Manchester, led by Andrew and Andy and they were fantastic. Not only did my paruresis improve but I had a good time as well, so I can't recommend them enough.
I am 57 and have battled with paruresis for most of my life. It is much better these days but my present concern is about long-term physical damage. When I was much younger, teens and early 20s, I sometimes coped by forcing it, when I was really desperate. I knew it wasn't good for my body and I eventually gave up doing that. However, I suspect that I did some permanent damage, which I am feeling at the moment in the form of aches and pains. If it continues I will go and get a referral to a urologist, but I don't have a lot of faith in doctors. Up to now I haven't found them much use.
Do any of you have any information about long-term physical effects of paruresis? It feels like a long shot, but I would appreciate any contributions.
Regards, John
Re: Long-term damage
Posted by Mark on 30/1/2009, 6:30 pm, in reply to "Long-term damage"
Hi John,
The only long term affect I am aware of from paruresis is where the bladder walls become streched from holding it in. This can weaken the muscles making the flow less strong. I believe this happens as people get old, buy a long term sufferer who holds it in may find it more prominent.
I am not 100% on this, I may well be wrong! Its not a serious problem, just takes a bit longer to empty.
As for squeezing it out, I didnt know it was possible so I dont know.
Im sure Andrew will be along to confirm any other issues, so dont take what I said too seriously.
Mark
Re: Long-term damage
Posted by Andrew on 31/1/2009, 10:43 am, in reply to "Long-term damage"
Hi John
Hello there, hope things are otherwise OK with you?
Re "damage", the jury's out, for lack of detailed cases, and for lack of specialised knowledge. You MUST go to a urologist, simply because you are focussing on past experiences of paruresis, when it could in fact be one of several other unconnected things, some very serious indeed.
Use of the word damage is worth unpicking. So the bladder wall could have stretched resulting in less pressure (I am like that), or the sphincters may leak, or may spasm; or sex is less rewarding, but one can still pee or enjoy sex: these are not limiting conditions. Damage to me would be something that needs mending in order to regain functionality.
Again get to the doctor now; and let's hope that it is not serious and that your case will add to the general knowledge of urologists.
Yes, as I expected, lack of detailed cases and specialised knowledge.
I have seen a urologist before, a few years ago, and he wasn't much help but I should probably try again. I'll let you know how it goes, though it will probably be weeks or, more likely, months before it happens.