One way that you can find immediate relief so that you can feel comfortable going to a public place for a few hours is to learn how to use intermittent self catheterization. With this technique, you basically insert a catheter on your own so that your bladder can empty no matter where you are. While some doctors and urologists don’t agree that self catheterization is helpful, you can find a doctor who will teach you to use catheters in your area by calling around and talking to nurses.

You can also find help you’re your paruresis through more traditional psychological techniques, including cognitive/behavioral therapy and graduated exposure therapy. You can also check several online websites for support groups in your area, since this can help you over time. Eventually, you can learn to deal with the nervousness and anxiety that keeps you from using the restroom naturally in a public area.

Most people agree that you should use a combination of this techniques. Catheters aren’t meant to be used every day, so, while it can be helpful to carry one with you, it isn’t a great idea to rely on catheters alone. Over time, though, you can learn to use your catheters as a back-up method in an emergency, and you can use support groups and psychological therapy to learn to overcome your paruresis over time. If you’re ready to get started today, your first steps are to find a therapy program and to find a doctor who will teach you to use catheters.