Shy Bladder

Home » Resources » Dictionary » Terms

Definition - What does Shy Bladder mean?

A shy bladder, also known as paruresis, refers to a difficulty in voiding urine in the presence of an individual or individuals (for example in a public restroom). The condition can develop from early childhood into adulthood. For individuals with a shy bladder, it can pose challenges for job opportunities where submission to mandatory urine drug screening (urinalysis) is a primary method used in the workplace.

SureHire explains Shy Bladder

Medical case studies for the number of people experiencing shy bladder remain inconclusive, emphasizing behavioural patterns symptomatic of paruresis from avoidance of public facilities, minimal consumption of fluids, and frequent voiding at home. A urologist can help determine any underlying medical conditions as potential culprits for a shy bladder, drawing on referrals to a specialist in anxiety disorders to apply cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) solution techniques. A shy bladder log is an auxiliary format for individuals provided with 40 ounces of water inside a three-hour interval to help expel the 30 millilitres baseline metric for a valid urine specimen pending final test results. The Construction Owners Association of America (COAA) pioneered the Canadian Model for Providing a Safe Workplace construct, serving as the framework for implementing urine and variant drug testing parameters modelled on the Department of Transportation (DOT) archetype. A Designated Employer Representative (DER) operates as a liaison with a Medical Review Officer (MRO), mutually coordinating shy bladder protocol, relaying information back to the employer to satisfy job placement conditions reflecting the outcome of the test findings. An MRO analysis contributes to supporting evidence for shy bladder issues that might otherwise restrict parties from holding safety-sensitive positions, for example, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators conveying freight between U.S./Canadian borders. Individuals must disclose shy bladder problems when submitting to urine drug tests, allowing for supplementary testing measures to establish whether the participant in question has a legitimate health condition for drug clearance purposes.

Subscribe to SureNews!

Get your Reasonable Suspicion Checklist! Join our community and get access to more resources like this! Emails are sent monthly, so no need to worry, we will not fill up your inbox.